You don’t need any fancy training to be an awesome leader.  You don’t need to be on a budget and you don’t need to make any treks to some guru in the heart of India.  Actually, all you need is a desire to lead and a heart for the goals and emotions of your team.

Here are a few ideas that will propel you to the “leader” board:

• Make people feel important, and do it sincerely.
• Don’t feel like you need to take credit for all your ideas. Share them with your team, and let them take the lead, and give them the credit.
• When you ask a question, stop, look at the other person and really listen to what they say. Then take action on what you heard, if action is warranted.
• Never embarrass anyone in front of the team or alone.
• Always remember that you are the leader so your job is to make your people look good, not the other way around.
• Be generous with your smiles and encouragement.
• Always take responsibility for the results and failures of your team.
• Never gossip to or about anyone.
• In all you do, be consistent so your team knows what to expect.
• Know the goals of your team and invest in training that will encourage them to engage.  Even if the skill is a non-work related skill, if it contributes to the well being of the employee, offer the time and some or all of the funding.
• If you make a mistake, be the first to admit it.
• Listen to what your team is not saying.  If there is tension towards you or someone else, deal with it immediately.  It won’t go away unless you make it go away.  Hiding from it makes it worse.
• Never take short cuts where people’s emotions and loyalties are concerned.
• Know your “why” and always operate from there.

Leadership is more of an attitude than a skill set.  The more you open your eyes, ears and heart to what is going around you, the more successful you will be, and the more successful your team will become.
~ Paul Kearley
Managing Partner, Dale Carnegie Business Group – Maritimes Division
(506) 432-6500 / pkearley@dalecarnegie.ca