You’ve just stepped into this exciting new role as leader, and mixed with the feeling of accomplishment, pride and enthusiasm may be a little apprehension. After all, you’ve never led a team before, and you may not feel like a true leader just yet, especially if you are managing people who are older or more experienced than you.
I’m here to tell you to take it easy on yourself. First, you received a promotion, so someone within your organization has faith in you to do the job. Somewhere along the way, you proved that you have what it takes to lead a team.
Beyond that, you can be a leader, if you just behave like one. It really is that simple, and while it may take time to build your status as a great leader, you can start working toward that today. Follow this advice:
- Choose a positive attitude. Your attitude is contagious, so you want the attitude you are spreading to be a productive one. Positive thinking produces better results over time than negative thinking does, so shift your mindset and be optimistic and excited.
- Put your focus on others. Leadership isn’t about power; it is about influence. If you want to be more influential, focus on and serve your employees. Find ways to make their lives better, rather than always focusing on what you want or need.
- Be encouraging. Show employees that you believe in them. Trust them to tackle new, important assignments. Always look for opportunities to offer them positive feedback, and develop their knowledge and skills. Support their ideas, and step in to lend a hand when they need it.
- Listen more; talk less. When you listen, you learn about the other person’s needs, wants and desires. When you understand those, you’re in a better position to lead them towards a future that meets those needs and satisfies those wants.
- Practice and improve your communication skills. In order to lead, you must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both with individuals and in front of a group.
- Be a great follower. Since leadership is an activity and not a role, recognize that you won’t always be leading. You must be willing and able to follow others too. Developing that as a conscious practice will help you build your relationships, develop employees skills, and gauge employees’ leadership chops. (Remember: The smartest leaders take succession planning seriously. After all, if you want to continue to climb the ladder, you will need someone to take your place.)
- Be a learner. This is important for two reasons: You become an effective leader (and human being) when you continually learn and develop. Beyond that, you become a positive role model for others and help to foster in them a love of learning as well.
This is not a complete and exhaustive list by any means. It is, however, a perfect first step on your personal leadership journey. Now is the time to get started … like right now.
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