Signs of Good Leadership By Eric Vermeulen
Success
Leadership in the workplace is about so much more than just having an impressive title and a corner office , and good leadership requires the right mindset and approach .
Catalyst for Positive Change
Visionary leadership isn ’ t just a desirable trait , it ’ s imperative for navigating complexities and driving meaningful change . A hope-filled leader is not just an optimist ; they are a catalyst for progress , constantly striving to make tomorrow better than today . So , here are three behaviours that can have a transformative impact on cultivating optimism and visionary leadership :
1 . Embracing Discomfort : A visionary leader understands that challenges are not roadblocks , but stepping stones to innovation . They embrace discomfort as a natural part of growth , encouraging their team to see obstacles as opportunities for creative problem-solving and learning .
2 . Fostering a Growth Mindset : Optimistic leaders cultivate a culture of continuous learning and development . They encourage curiosity , experimentation and resilience , fostering a growth mindset that empowers individuals to embrace change and adaptability .
3 . Communicating Vision with Clarity : Visionary leaders effectively communicate their aspirations and purpose , painting a compelling picture of the future . They inspire hope and enthusiasm by aligning team goals with a shared vision , empowering everyone to contribute meaningfully towards a brighter tomorrow .
By embodying these behaviours , leaders can become catalysts for optimism , driving innovation , resilience , and transformative change within their organisations and beyond .
Culture of Good Leadership
The research is clear : Organisational culture and leadership are paramount for driving engagement and superior business results . A landmark Gallup study involving 1.4 million employees found that companies with highly engaged workforces outperformed their peers by 147 % in earnings per share . But what cultivates an engaged workforce ?
Fundamentally , it stems from strong leadership that creates a culture of trust , empowerment and accountability . As this research shows , respectful treatment from all , especially leaders , is the top driver of engagement and retention . That is why culture starts at the top . Leaders must walk the talk , modelling desired mindsets and behaviours daily . They inspire by sharing an authentic , motivating vision . They empower by coaching , not commanding . They drive accountability by setting clear expectations and delivering frequent coaching .
Build Your Best Team
Building a high-performing ‘ dream team ’ is the goal of every leader , but it requires more than just hiring talented individuals . As research from Google ’ s Project Aristotle shows , the highest performing teams value psychological safety , allowing vulnerability and candid dialogue . Here are a few tips to offer this safety in the workplace :
1 . Be clear on what you want : Define the key behaviours , mindsets and skills required for success . According to Gallup , only 50 % of employees know what ’ s expected of them .
2 . Be a confident leader : Model the behaviours you seek . As a Harvard study reveals , employees are 55 % more engaged when they see their leader is confident and committed to clear goals .
3 . Set priorities : Give your team the few vital priorities to laser focus on . A University of Minnesota study found that when leaders prioritise too many initiatives , productivity plummets by 57 %.
4 . Stop micro-managing : Once you hire competent people , trust them . Micromanagement crushes motivation and innovation , according to insights from Microsoft and ghSmart .
5 . Remove poor performers : As a Harvard Business Review study showed , avoiding this tough step can decrease the performance of an entire team by 30-40 %.
If you build your dream team by fostering the right culture and behaviours , the results and success will follow .
Transform Your Team
As leaders , we often emphasise the importance of communication . We host meetings , send e-mails and deliver presentations , believing that if we communicate enough , our message will resonate . However , communication without comprehension is just noise . True transformation happens when our teams understand our vision , values , and goals , and comprehension is the key to unlocking high performance and a growth mindset culture . Here ’ s how you can foster it :
• Clarity : Ensure your messages are clear and concise . Avoid jargon and be straightforward about expectations and objectives .
• Active Listening : Create an environment where team members feel heard . Encourage questions and feedback to confirm understanding .
• Empathy : Understand the perspectives of your team . Tailor your communication to address their needs and concerns .
• Engagement : Use interactive methods like workshops and discussions to reinforce key messages . Engagement fosters deeper understanding and retention .
• Consistency : Regularly reinforce core messages . Consistent communication helps align everyone with the organisation ’ s vision .
By prioritising comprehension , you enable your team to internalise and act upon your vision . This shift from mere communication to true understanding is where high performance and growth mindset cultures thrive . So , let ’ s build teams that don ’ t just hear us , but truly understand and embody our mission .
Erik Vermeulen is a behavioural strategist focusing on employee engagement strategies , combining employee and customer engagement with his endurance endeavours in running , cycling , adventure sports , expedition races and mountaineering . This unique blend of knowledge and experience makes him a sought after coach and motivational speaker . More at https :// ridgelineza . com .
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