The strength and effectiveness of an organization depend on team members at all levels, but these qualities start at the top. Strong leaders are in high demand! These people must motivate and inspire their teams but still maintain high expectations for performance. While it’s easy to find qualities that strong leaders share, some behaviors mean trouble. If you or your management team own any of these bad habits, it’s time to reassess.
Strong Leaders Never Pit Employees Against One Another
One sign of troubled leadership is getting sucked into employee drama. If one team member isn’t performing as expected (or is having personal issues with another), it’s best to handle that situation privately. Sharing your frustrations with another employee only leads to gossip and mistrust. You’ll be accused of taking sides or stirring the pot rather than effecting meaningful change. Instead, hold a meeting between the employee (or employees) in question and express your concerns in person. Then ask for and listen to their response. In all instances of conflict, do your best to stay above the fray.
Strong Leaders Never Rest on Their Laurels
A stagnant organization often reveals stagnant leadership: someone who never commits to trying new things. Ironically, it’s the businesses who need change the most who often seem the most hesitant. Power structures and traditions become codified, set in stone rather than critically questioned. Strong leaders remain open to new ideas and new solutions to old problems–in fact, they openly solicit them! Again, it comes back to active listening: paying attention when the “boots on the ground” identify issues and attempt to solve them.
Strong Leaders Never Hesitate to Ask for Help
Sometimes progress is more than you or your team can handle on your own. Development opportunities for employees and for managers can dramatically improve productivity and performance. They can “recharge” and re-energize a business that seems to have lost its touch. Strong leaders will recognize the need for these opportunities when it arises. They understand that motivating employees starts with giving them the tools to succeed.
Employee Development Systems delivers results-oriented training programs that increase productivity, effectiveness, and performance. , and contact us to find out how we can help your organization.
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