“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Mahatma Gandhi once said. It’s a simple concept really, change begins with oneself and an effective leader knows that. Before a leader can criticize his or her followers, they have to make sure they’re in the right. A leader who shares his knowledge, who explains his decisions, is sure to gain the understanding and thereby respect of his employees.
Good teachers make good leaders
One of the primary requisites to being a good leader is the ability to teach well. Leaders need to keep in mind that they too once were at the lowest rung of the corporate ladder, and would have made mistakes. A good leader can teach their employees the importance of owning up to their mistakes, of being thorough in their work and of constantly being willing to learn. An efficient leader will know learning never stops and you can learn even from the most junior of your staff. A leader who practices what they preach has more chances of being heard by the employees and increases productivity of their staff. Leading by example is the best way to lead. However, there’s more to a good leadership than being a good role model.
The language of leadership is the art of clear communication
Every individual is different, and so are their work ethics. It’s necessary in every organization to have open communication. Leaders should be able to clearly describe what they need from each employee. For that, leaders should be clear-headed and precise in what the project requires and assign the deliverables. If the responsibilities are clear then the employees will be able to take charge of their end of the project. Leaders must follow through to make sure that everything is operating smoothly so as to ensure timely delivery of projects.
Reprimand but commend too wherever needed
When it comes to boosting performance, the simplest way to do that is to know your employees. Every employee is motivated by a different reason to work, understanding that makes it easier for you to understand their performance at work. Having a discussion at the end of the month where you can talk to them about their performance is always a good idea. That way you can make sure any error on their part is corrected right at the beginning. It is important, however, to ensure that you point out their successes too, no matter how small to keep them motivated.
Building team dynamic builds the company
Team activities are a sure way of building the trust between team members and helps increase the group dynamic. When the team leader takes part in these activities actively, they also get to know their employees better, the strengths and weaknesses of each. This also aids in crossing any communication barriers due to status quo.
Company outings are another way to help in crossing the great divide. Retreats that last 2-3 days that incorporate workshops and trust-building exercises not only give the employees a break from the monotony but also nourish the office environment.
Work towards a goal
If you don’t have a destination in mind, you’re just drifting. Setting fiscal goals are important but so are setting goals for the team for the development of the company. For instance, setting a goal that by the end of 2018 that everyone on your team would be familiar with software that’s integral to your company’s data storage is a good way to ensure productivity. With a clear goal in mind, it is easier to chart out the route to success. It also becomes easier to understand the terrain you’re travelling: what are the pitfalls to expect, how to prepare for that etc.
Equipping your employees to be successful
With a clear aim of where the company is headed, leaders can make sure that the employees are equipped to see the journey through. For this purpose, companies need to ensure that their employees are all up to date on the latest skills and technology that will make them more efficient. Corporate companies have been forever sending employees for workshops that will improve their performance at work. Nowadays, it is possible to customize the workshop to ensure you get the best deal for your company and employees.
Considering the digital age we live in, the upskilling of employees has only become more vital. Training new recruits is a must, but so is ensuring that the staff at hand is updated in the latest skills too, including the ones who are at the top of the chain. Businesses that can’t keep up with the fast-paced technological advancements of the digital era will inevitably be left behind. However, the same technology offers solutions too from online courses, video tutorials, and information available at your fingertips it is easy to learn and upskill yourself. These solutions are not permanent ones though especially if you’re a professional in which case it’s best to take out the big guns and consult the experts. Many organizations have risen to cater to the need of the hour and offer courses that will reskill your organization to be more present ready and future forward.
The need for reskilling is slowly growing into a crisis which is where Manipal ProLearn steps in. Offering the courses required to equip you for this digital era, Manipal ProLearn has a diverse selection for each field from Data Science to Management.
