I was always the girl who did her own thing. Instead of learning how to do makeup, I was out in the dirt blowing up explosives with my cousins. I was riding dirt bikes and playing softball every weekend instead of going to pool parties. I always did what I loved to do rather than what everyone else was doing.
I love the idea and practice of leadership. As a small business owner, I am learning just how important it is to have effective leadership skills. My dad would come home with leadership books all the time when I was about 13 and I read EVERY single one of them. (Thanks, dad!) As helpful as the books were, getting out there in the real world and experiencing leadership for yourself is undeniably the best way to learn how to be a leader, and what kind of leader you are. Here are 5 keys to strong leadership, no matter what kind if leadership style it is that you have (or if you don't know what type of leader you are!)
Key #1: Face challenges head on.
People who are in positions that require leadership will face challenges almost continuously. It is a daily effort to try and prevent challenges, but you will be blindsided and things will come up. When this happens, it is so important to remain level-headed and face this challenge in a clear thought of mind. Do not run away from it hoping it will go away, and do not try and put it on other people so they can deal with it instead of you. Great leaders are brave when working through an obstacle. Think of every scenario, see what will provide the best outcome that makes sense, and do the tasks that are required to get through it.
*Keep employees in the loop. If the situation allows it, let them know the good and not so good things that are going on. Employees that work hard and care about the company really do value when their leaders are honest with them.
Key #2: Win trust.
Let people know that you have their best interest at heart and that you care about them beyond what they do at work. Do not pry, but ask how their baseball game went or how their kid is doing. Showing that you want to know about how they are doing outside of work shows that you care. People who trust their leaders are harder working and more enthusiastic about their work. Also, if they make a mistake, do not correct them in anger or belittle them. They will either get discouraged or angry as well. To give them constructive criticism and let them know what they can do to avoid their mistake next time will keep them encouraged and enjoy learning more on the job.
Key #3: Be authentic and real.
People can see through fake people very easily and quickly. Do not try and be someone you're not just because you are in a position of power. I think it is easy for bosses to want to try and be their employees friend, which is fine, but I also think there is a fine line between being a good friend with your employee and just trying to be cool with them and get on their good side to be well liked rather than well respected.
Key #4: Earn respect.
Following key number 3, earning respect is very important. When you conduct yourself in a way that shows moral and ethical traits, earning respect will come authentic and natural. To have values and to act on them is what makes others earn respect. Nobody enjoys someone who says one thing and does another. This really ties in with being authentic.
Key #5: Stay curious.
This one is huge. Always look for ways to learn how to be a better leader, how to do your job better, and look for new insights and ideas to improve yourself and the business (or whatever it is that you have a leadership role in). There is always something to learn and to improve on. Read books, watch the news, be aware of your surroundings, attend seminars, etc. There are endless ways to learn. Staying curious means you keep that interest in your business and truly want it to be the best you can make it.
After reading these 5 keys, are there any others you can think of that can help you be or become a leader? Above all, just remember to do what you love, and do it the best of your ability.
