Being a good leader is hard – no one is born being an innately good boss; leadership is a learned skill. Majority of #business owners or managers would say ‘yes’ when asked if they are a good leader but the fact is, there is often a great deal they could do to improve. To be fair, this misconception isn’t always their fault. Just think, many of them don’t have anyone objective who can critique their performance – you wouldn’t expect your staff to honestly outline managerial shortcomings would you? Plus many #small business owners start their company because they have a great idea, having to build and motivate a team is just a necessary evil to bring it to market. Good leadership skills are good for business. Employees work harder for leaders they respect and they stay longer at the company in question. Irrespective of your style, rest assured that you can always improve.

There’s more to leadership than having a high-ranking title and being in charge of a team. You might have the authority to tell #people what to do, but if you’re an ineffective leader, you won’t be able to guide and motivate your staff to accomplish their goals.

Four Leadership traits/tips you need to become a better leader:

1. Solve problems effectively – Solving problems effectively allows you to make the best decisions you can for your business. Problem solving involves gathering necessary information, analysing it, and considering it. Solving problems effectively is the most important trait on this list because you don’t want to lead your team in the wrong direction. This skill will be used every day whether you are resolving conflicts within the office or trying to find a solution for a strategic matter. Want to become a better leader? Become a problem solver.

2. Be supportive – Leaders need emotional intelligence to be successful. Emotional intelligence is the ability to monitor your own and other’s emotions. Supporting your employees builds trust and when your employees trust you, influencing or leading them is smooth sailing! Leadership is defined as the act of guiding or directing a group. You can guide a group whose feelings you are not in tune with. Be supportive, Don’t be afraid to step into a division’s group work and promote efficiency. Be the positive energy that promotes a healthy business culture, too. Want to become a better leader? Be supportive.

3. Operate with a strong results-orientation – Leaders “do.” They are results-oriented and productive. To be the most productive you can be, it’s important you prioritise the highest-value work. Developing and communicating a vision for your company leads you nowhere if you don’t follow through on the objectives outlined in your plan. Be the one that takes charge and create success as seen by results. Want to become a better leader? Focus on results.

4. Seek different perspectives – making decisions based only on your own perspective is a huge risk. You should surround yourself with people who have different perspectives. They will help you shed light on an issue that you may have not seen previously. Also leaders have mentors or coaches. They seek the advice of others, which helps them grow as a leader. Want to become a better leader? Keep an open mind.

FINAL WORD

Becoming a great leader is a learning process that never ends. Great leaders enjoy the challenges and the lessons learned – even when they’re painful. The type of leader you wish to become is up to you. But if you want to learn to become a great leader, consider these additional tips:

• Be aware of where you are today as a leader. Do you need to take action to improve your leadership skills?

• Be open to critical self-assessment when it comes to your leadership skills.

• Be willing to grow personally and professionally by learning new skills. Hire a business coach, find a mentor, read leadership books or sign up for a leadership class.

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