5 Things Leaders Do Better, Are You Doing Them?

1.Be Frank

Be Frank or Dean or Sammy for that matter. What does this really mean? Be honest, frank and straightforward. You don’t have to disclose all that you know, but don’t lie to your people. When you communicate honestly, you build trust. People that trust you to shoot straight with them will do what you ask of them right away. If your team doesn’t trust you, they may waste valuable time trying to ferret out your motives or putting CYA measures into place.

2.You’re a Super Model

Another reason to be straightforward and honest, you’re team watches everything you do. If you do it, they’ll do it, so think about behaviors of yours that you might not want them emulating. You don’t have to be perfect but your good habits inspire your team to the same.

3.Balance Support With Challenge

The best leaders sort of function like a classic, stereotypical Mom and Dad. Dad issues the challenge and Mom gives you the hug and tells you that you can do it. Then when you meet the challenge, Dad gives you a happy pat on the back and Mom makes your favorite dinner. Good leaders can take on both roles because they know that facing and overcoming challenges builds confidence, maturity and talent. And yet, they also understand that challenges are best overcome in a supportive environment.

4.Know Your People

Do you really know your team? Do you know that Linda in accounting is a single mom and her biggest need is a little flexibility when her kid is sick? Did you know that Michael in shipping is studying to be an accountant at night and would jump at the chance to get his feet wet in that department? When you understand what motivates your people, you can do great things. Not only can you get the best from them, you can help them in ways that builds an unshakeable loyalty to you and your organization.

5.Appreciate, Praise, Thank, Lather, Rinse & Repeat

This seems like such an easy one but as leaders, we often get so busy running from one situation to the next that it is all too easy to forget to stop and express gratitude. And yet, this very act is the glue that binds the relationships together to weather the hard times when things seem ready to fall apart. Appreciate, praise and thank over and over again. Don’t rush it and don’t deliver empty platitudes and mix it up if you can. Email, phone, notes and in-person contact can be maximized to make your people really feel seen.