Leadership is a tricky term because it’s thrown around without truly understanding the meaning. Leaders need a lot of characteristics, and many of these characteristics differ depending on the field.
We’re going to discuss some of the important leadership habits you should develop if you want to improve in your field.
- Be Grateful
Gratitude has become something of a buzz word on social media. However, it’s far from just a self-righteous term people use so they can tell people why they’re a humble person.
There’s evidence to show that it has qualities in the stressful role of leader. One study reported by Psychology Today said that those who wrote letters of gratitude over a three-week period had greater life satisfaction, a higher level of happiness, and a reduction in depression.
This is important for leaders because it’s a stressful role that can easily grind you down quickly.
- Give (Within Limits)
Giving doesn’t have to mean donating to your favorite charity. Leaders give and take all the same time, whether it’s through positive feedback, new tasks, or just providing their time and effort.
One study evaluated around 8,500 global leaders and found that 56% of them prefer to give negative feedback over positive feedback. This stems from the idea that a leader must be tough and unforgiving if they’re going to get the most from their teams.
Why doesn’t this work?
We can see that 60% of millennials are open to new job opportunities, and they make up the biggest part of the workforce. Leaders who constantly shout, scream, and put people down are not going to get anything for their efforts.
You must give not take if you want to retain your team. That doesn’t mean you can’t say anything negative, but there must be a focus on growth and development.
- When Problems Arise, Focus on the Process (Not People)
When you focus on people you make it personal. When things are personal it’s no longer about the task at hand.
Take a step back and focus on the process. Think about why things didn’t go according to plan.
How can that process be changed to avoid the same mistakes happening again?
- Have High Expectations of Others
Leaders shouldn’t treat their teams like children. They should still demand high expectations of them.
Why?
One writer discussed working at a company called Firmatek and he eschewed the opportunities for workers to grow and develop. Millennial workers don’t just want a paycheck they want to learn and grow.
Those high expectations are vital to giving them those opportunities. Don’t be satisfied with having your team languishing where they are now.
- Maintain Intentional Focus
The intentional focus is a concept that revolves around increasing focus, enhancing productivity, and reducing stress. There are even official programs that help leaders learn about it and how they can implement it in their own lives and workplaces.
The best leaders are not just about leading. They’re also about improvement, so they can become superior versions of themselves.
Last Word – Becoming a Better Leader
These five tips will not only help you get more out of your subordinates. They will also help you improve your own characteristics.
How are you going to become a better leader?
