Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions? Health, weight, business goals? How about your leadership goals?
I don’t make resolutions on New Year’s Eve after reading a few years ago that the first week in January is the most probable time for breaking them. I wait.
I used to set them after the Australia Day weekend. Raising six children gave me a different take on the calendar. Once they were all back to school, I felt as though the new year was actually under way. It’s a habit I never really broke.
These days I wait until I’m ready to start the new working year before I decide on my resolutions. I have many of the usual; health, fitness, more time for family and friends. I also have many business goals; number one is to be a better leader in 2016.
Knowing that improving my leadership skills is a major goal, puts it at the centre of my focus. Leadership doesn’t come naturally; it’s a skill that we can all work on to improve.
Have you considered how you can become a better leader?
Whether you are a solo operator or running a team, your business will benefit from how well you lead. Leading the self is every bit as important as leading others.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Be present
Being present increases the level and purpose of communication. When others know that they have your undivided attention their level of engagement and productivity will also increase.
- Focus on your strengths
Rather than looking at your weaknesses and how you can improve them, focus on your strengths and delegate tasks you’re not so great at to others. It is your strengths that make you outstanding. Growing them even further will take your business to the next level. Others are great at things you aren’t, give them the opportunity to shine, or outsource.
- Be more assertive
Research tells us that women need to be more assertive. We fear coming across as aggressive so we tend to hold back with our opinions and point of view. Don’t hold back, step up and speak! If confidence is an issue, as it is for many of us, you may find this free Confidence Boosting Tips eBook helpful.
- Lead by example
Actions speak louder than words. It is important that you are displaying the behaviours you expect from others. If you want your team to be engaged, driven, and productive then that’s what they need to be seeing in you. If you want your suppliers to be punctual, fair and transparent, do the same. Follow the leader is much more than a game. Like it or not you are modelling the behaviour and setting the tone.
- Share Your Purpose and Strategy
Knowing where you want to go and WHY you are doing what you do is vital to your success. Once you are clear on your WHY, keeping in mind just how you will get there will make a huge difference in reaching your goals. Make detailed plans, and share them with your inner circle or team. Having solid goals and plans will keep your long term strategy as part of the picture, no matter what crops up.
- Take Care of Yourself
Those resolutions for good health are popular for a reason. Everything is better when we are in good health and our energy levels are high. When you are full of vitality and on form you’ll find those around you will respond positively to it. Most people are happy to follow a positive, dynamic leader.
I wish you every success in 2016.
