As a leader, it’s your job to bring out the best in others. It’s humbling to admit that you don’t have all the answers, but it’s also how you prepare yourself and others for continued success on an ongoing basis.
The best leaders know who they are, both their strengths and weaknesses. They use their powers to guide others and leverage their team’s resources to complete tasks.
Be honest and keep your word
This might seem obvious, but it’s important to be honest with yourself and others. This is the foundation of solid principles that will make you a more effective leader. If you choose not to be honest or keep your word, you will quickly lose the respect of those people who work for and with you.
Take responsibility for your actions
When something goes wrong on your watch, resist the temptation to blame others or make excuses. Don’t get defensive, and don’t forget to apologize when necessary. Focus on the solution more than the problem, and make sure that your team knows what you’re doing to fix things. They will be more likely to follow through with their part if they know that someone is handling this issue at a higher level.
Do what’s right, not what’s quick
It would be best if you never made decisions based on what seems easiest or most convenient—no matter how tempting that might be at a given moment. Instead, always be willing to ask yourself if your decision will help you achieve your long-term goals or make things temporarily easier for you or anyone else involved.
Treat others with courtesy and respect
Another principle that will make you a more effective leader is to treat others how you would like them to treat you. Leadership and values are inseparable, so keep the golden rule and include a few of the following:
- Have a positive attitude. It’s difficult to treat others well if you are opposing or if you lack energy and enthusiasm.
- Ask for advice from people who know more than you.
- Be polite to everyone, not just those whose opinions you value or those who have power over you.
- Listen carefully when other people tell their stories, especially when expressing strong emotions, like anger or sadness.
Additionally, optimism is another excellent trait for a leader. If you’re optimistic, you’ll see possibilities that others may miss. You’ll also be less likely to give up when there’s a bump in the road, and optimism will help motivate your team.
Be a good role model. Setting a good example isn’t just about demonstrating the right behaviors; it’s also about making sure that your words and actions are consistent with what you’re trying to achieve. However, it can be easy as an entrepreneur or leader to forget your advice from time to time. You need to set aside some time for reflection and introspection.
