Continuous improvement is teamwork. So that teamwork can be the most efficient possible, it needs a leader. But, what is a great leader and how do you become one?
The manager holds their authority by way of the company’s hierarchy, which is enforced upon their team. The leader is acknowledged by the members of their team. They aren’t necessarily born a leader. Leadership can be developed over time, with proper training, and the right attitude.
In order to understand the requirements needed to be a good leader, let’s first look at the difference between a harmful leader and a great leader.
The harmful leader and the great leader
- The harmful leader will focus on the problems, while the great leader will look for solutions.
- The harmful leader will believe they know it all, though the great leader appeals to each individual’s own knowledge.
- The harmful leader is too busy to actually work on the ground. While in contrast, the great leader will show up and be present for their team.
- The harmful leader considers individuals to be tools and/or machines that can easily be replaced. The great leader appraises the importance of each member of their team.
- The harmful leader isn’t a good listener, whereas the great leader will take the time to listen to everyone, which improves people’s feeling of belonging within the company.
- The harmful leader is deeply suspicious, they don’t trust their employees. The great leader is confident that their team is doing the right thing. The trust that is placed in them is noticed by the employees and will encourage them to do their very best.
- The harmful leader asks things imperatively and never thanks anyone. In contrast, the great leader guides the employees in their tasks, all the while using polite remarks.
- The harmful leader is selfish, while the great leader will allocate successes to the team and praise each individual’s contribution.
- The harmful leader won’t delegate and won’t let others take any decisions. The great leader will state that they need help, will ask for their team’s support and will let them make decisions.
- The harmful leader is reactive, while the great leader is proactive.
- To develop leadership in your managers, it is important to train them. An informed manager is worth two of them. We can accompany your managers to assess their behaviors, to analyze them, and to help them become better leaders in their daily life.
Here are some topics you can discuss with your managers to improve their leadership.
Find motivating goals
Because fixing a goal is to give a meaning, a direction to follow, a realistic and articulate goal generates motivation.
Be positive
While you should avoid harmful discussions, it is important to welcome discussions that can bring motivation and satisfaction to the whole team.
Be trustful and delegate
You will discover that things can be done differently and you will promote creativity.
Communicate
Information must be shared. Your team should always know everything about their projects in order to be fully efficient.
Congratulate and don’t look for culprits
We must highlight things that are well done. Positive feedback increases motivation and strengthens leadership.
Ask questions
Listen to the members of your team and appeal to their knowledge. By doing so, a manager becomes an auditor within their own team and can therefore make use of everyone’s strengths.
Participate in team building exercises
Strengthen your team’s chemistry with activities that stray from the routine, for example: cultural events, meetings outside of the office, happy hours, etc.
There is no doubt that by following those advices, the manager will become a better version of themself.
It will be our pleasure to help you in training your manager towards administrative and management leadership, which will allow you to better mobilize and guide your staff, while also delegating, planning and prioritizing more efficiently.
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