Leadership in the workplace: 10 tips for managers

Leadership is an invaluable workplace skill. Naturally, managers and other people in supervisory positions must be able to lead their teams with confidence and care. But what makes a good leader? ‘leadership’ is such a broad and all-encompassing term, after all.

But what is leadership? It consists of a miscellany of other abilities and talents that coalesce. If you want to be a better leader, you must start by refining a host of skills. Here are some practical tips on how to do just that:

1. Understand the difference between leadership and management: Leading is about more than just making sure everyone is doing their job properly. You must offer guidance, assistance and support.
2. Develop a clear vision and mission for your team: You can’t guide your team effectively if you don’t know where you’re taking it. Make time to figure out what you want your employees to achieve in the long run.
3. Set goals and objectives: It’s vital to create deadlines and aims that are realistic and doable. They’ll help you ascertain whether your team is on track and provide direction, such as whether your team is taking on too much or too little work.
4. Communicate effectively: Neither you nor your workers are mind-readers. That’s why you need to liaise with your team clearly, regularly and with understanding. Give them regular, concise updates about their work and the organisation at large.
5. Build relationships: Sure, an organisation can survive with only employees who clock in, work and clock out without further engagement. But fostering positive relations with your team is what will take your work to the next level.

Providing guidance is crucial to good leadership.

1. Motivate and inspire employees: Everyone is fighting a battle you don’t know about! Life can be disheartening, so it’s imperative that you encourage your worker to keep going even when the going gets tough.
2. Deal with conflict: Although most people hate confrontation, it’s an inevitable part of life. You must be able to take the reins and ease tensions when they arise in a way that’s tactful, productive and takes everyone into consideration.
3. Delegate and empower employees: Every person on your team has a very specific part to play. Make sure not to give your workers tasks outside of their job description, and ensure they have the resources they need to do a good job.
4. Make tough decisions: Unfortunately, leadership isn’t all sunshine and roses. You’ve got to be able to draw hard lines in the sand, even if they might upset some people. You also need to do this with compassion and sensitivity.
5. Leading by example: “Do as I say, not as I do” has never worked. You need to practise what you preach by demonstrating self-discipline, time management and dedication. Attend all your meetings and meet all your deadlines.

These 10 tips are just the tip of the leadership iceberg. Contact ICML to find out more information about our self-leadership course, or chat with us to see how we can best help you.