How to Be a More Effective Leader in 2020
As we look ahead into 2020, many of us have set personal or professional goals. Whether it’s to up the exercise regime or to learn a new skill, we are in constant search of ways to improve. This year, why not focus on a resolution that will benefit both you and your business? Effective leaders are leading the way, and you should be adopting that mentality too.
Not only are we making headway into a new year, but a brand-new decade. There is no better time than now to reflect on how the past decade has treated you and your business and make some powerful resolutions about how you can improve.
There are many qualities that amount to great leadership, and you should have them in mind while stepping forth into this new era. Your leadership skills are at the core of running a successful business, so join us as we consider some ways you could up your game this year!
1. Put your employees first
As any strong business leader knows, the success of a business rests on the shoulders of its employees. Although cutting costs can sometimes be appealing, you should be spending more on your employees and putting their happiness and wellbeing first. This will ultimately be the best way to increase productivity and commitment. Find out which employee perks your staff are most interested in and see what you can do to make them happy. Maybe they’ll appreciate their birthday off? Or perhaps more organised out of work activities? Listen to their thoughts and ideas and show them how valued they are.
2. Remember your values
It can be easy to get side-tracked or cut corners to get to where you want, but all good leaders stay true to their business’s goals and values. This applies both to the values of your business and your personal ethics. Don’t be afraid to turn away prospects if they don’t align with your views, integrity is key and will be rewarded in the long run.
3. Reward your customers
Of course, it is always integral to a business to entice in new customers, but excellent leaders never underestimate the power of customer loyalty. If you’re in it for the long game, you need to work on attracting customers and clients who will stick with your business and give them plenty of reasons to stay!
4. Never stop learning
The best leaders are always the people who are happy to admit that they don’t know it all. Never pass up an opportunity to learn something new, whether that means taking a business coach course or listening to fresh ideas from your employees. The ability to adapt and be flexible will mean that you never miss any potential opportunities and you’re always open to new ideas.
One analogy used by business leadership experts Tricres summarises this perfectly:
“Leading organisations in the 21st century is very much like sailing a large, complicated yacht – you need to make a series of micro-adjustments constantly to stay on course and every now and again, you need to change tack completely and do a full 360-degree turn to avoid a severe storm.”
5. Collaboration and communication
Successful leaders won’t place themselves on a pedestal, alienating themselves from the rest of the business. Instead, they will work collaboratively and always be on the lookout for fresh ideas and the opportunity to work hand in hand with new partners. In addition, a good leader knows the almighty power of strong and clear communication with their business partners, employees, and clients.
6. Be strategic
Strategy is essential and it is important to never lose sight of your end goal. What’s more, make this goal clear and precise to your team so there is no room for doubt or confusion. Hold regular team meetings, even if it’s just for a catch-up so that your employees never lose sight of the goal. This way, any necessary adjustments can be made along the way.
7. Remember to look after yourself
Last but most certainly not least, remember to put your own well-being first. Both your physical and mental health is of the utmost importance. You need to take care of yourself before you can effectively manage a successful team. Burning out is a common problem with team leaders who insist on pushing themselves too hard. You can’t help your team and your business before you start taking good care of yourself.
This isn’t only going to be your year; it’s going to be your decade! Make this one a new year’s resolution that you stick to. Keep growing your business by harnessing all of the best leadership practices in 2020.
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