The ability to manage doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It takes talent, practice and for some, copious amounts of coffee and reflection. A good leader is someone who dedicates time and focus to individual success and development, rather than the performance of a team as a whole.
Being a good leader and being happy were cited as some of the most important traits in a boss in the UK, according to new research from printing company TonerGiant. Its survey found that Brits’ attitudes to their bosses are mixed, with only just over half (51%) saying that they believe their current boss will help them to achieve their career dreams.
The research also found that there are some public figures who are admired by UK employees and would be nice bosses – and other who they wouldn’t like to work for. For example, Sir Alan Sugar and Jeremy Corbyn are seen as favourable bosses – while Donald Trump and Boris Johnson are not.
It certainly seems that some personality types are able to get the most out of people. So, how about you? Do you inspire your staff? It’s your responsibility as a boss to get the best out of your team in order to head for greatness, but a quest for perfection isn’t needed. In fact, understanding your weaknesses will often help to shape who you are as a leader.
Considering how to become a better leader? Here are five things to consider:
Find Your Style
Understanding that everyone has a different leadership style is the first step to becoming a better boss. It’s healthy to recognise where your strengths are, and the small improvements that you can make to continually progress. Keeping your style consistent is good for you and your employees, who know what to expect from you when a scenario arises. Being unpredictable can make people nervous and does little to help you establish key standard that you expect.
Inspire
Want to establish a loyal band of followers in the workplace? You will need to inspire if you’re looking for this type of dedication. Stretch the minds of your team and encourage creativity within your organisation by seeking input from everyone. It’s one of the best ways to form an independent, capable team who know their views are valued.
Be Happy
Being a positive and uplifting boss can be transformational for an organisation. Having a sense of humour in certain scenarios can also really pay off. In fact, it shows employees that you can take things in your stride. By remaining positive, you enforce resilience among the team and can ease stress or pressure.
Show Support
Employees who feel valued and supported by leaders are far more likely to go above and beyond for their cause. Try to relate to them and share your own experiences when they present a professional or personal problem. By making time for your employees and showing an interest in their lives, you will cultivate relationships and form mutual appreciation.
Look After Yourself
If you want to be an effective leader, it goes without saying that you will need to look after yourself. Stress tends to come with the territory when you’re the boss, so managing this is key to doing the best job you can. Letting thing get on top of you will reduce your effectiveness as a leader and might merely pass stress on to your employees. Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, rest, and healthy eating should help - and is also important when it comes to productivity and creativity.
