The quality of leadership within an organization directly determines the success and productivity of employees and the company as a whole. Here are some essential leadership “tools’ for improving your organization and leadership efforts:
- Communicate your vision.
Establishing and articulating your company’s vision clearly is a definite way to create a motivating atmosphere and sense of purpose for employees. Understanding your company vision enhances employee productivity by providing them with a sense of importance and meaning in their positions, and a reason to be engaged in your organization.
- Set goals
Goals are one of the most effective tools to assist with incremental improvement. Setting a standard or goal within your team instills the mindset and behavior of progression, and helps employees know whether they are making progress or falling behind. Only statements that live up to the SMART acronym are really goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Tangible). Taking the time to plan a goal in this format goes a long way to achieving it, it helps test the clarity of the outcome and commitment to it. Setting goals helps set up the motivation necessary for employees to continue striving for success.
- Lead by example
Leaders who lead by example develop trust and build credibility. Showing the willingness to do so inspires employees to follow you because they want to, not because they have to. A leader who has the trust and respect of their employees builds commitment, not just compliance.
- Provide meaningful and consistent feedback
Many employees feel unappreciated, or that they do not receive enough feedback regarding their work performance. Providing consistent and accurate feedback reassures employees and motivates them to either perform better or continue to progress. Whether they say they need it or not, all employees benefit from knowing exactly where they stand in terms of performance.
- Maintain Creativity
In business and in life things don’t always work out the way we expect. It is during these times that employees will look to their leader for advice, for their perspective, or to make a tough decision. Utilizing your creative side during these challenges may allow you to come up with alternative solutions you haven’t thought of before. In addition, engaging your people in creative thought allows you to expand your critical thinking and creates greater commitment because they were involved in finding the solution.
Try these five tools to enhance your leadership and enhance the team’s results!
