Whether you’re responsible for managing a team, a department or even an entire company, it takes a certain type of person to take on the role of a leader. With this position comes responsibility, authority and control, so it pays to be sure of yourself before you step up to the plate.
While leadership may come naturally to some, others need direction and assistance to acquire the right skills. If you need help honing your managerial abilities, you could turn to a human resource specialist for help. Companies like this can offer leadership development consultancy and advice to managers. For example, people management experts Penna can help businesses build effective strategies for their leaders so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
Although there is assistance available, it can also help to be aware of what is expected of you in the first instance. Here are three characteristics you can’t go without if you want to be a respected leader in your workplace.
- An effective communicator
Good communication skills are key for a leader. Being able to effectively communicate with a team or group of people is crucial. Whether you need to speak to your workforce about a project, you have to discuss an issue or you want to get across some information, knowing how to converse with others in a clear and coherent way is vital. Simply talking to them on their level could make your members of staff more likely to cooperate and listen to what you have to say.
- Approachable
While it’s healthy to firmly establish yourself as a leader, it’s also important to make yourself approachable should anyone need to speak to you. From work-related issues to personal problems, your colleagues should feel like they can reach out to you about anything. If you’re too rigid when it comes to your relationship with your workers, they may be less inclined to speak to you and instead foster their negative feelings, reducing morale and productivity in the workplace. Being approachable can also help you build up a good rapport with your colleagues and create a much happier place to work.
- Positive
Being positive can have a huge impact on how you’re perceived in the workplace. As a leader, staying motivated and enthusiastic can help boost the attitudes of your colleagues. Even on a bad day, your staff members will be likely to look to you for guidance and inspiration, so staying positive could mean they’ll feel uplifted and encouraged.
Knowing how to effectively lead in the workplace can be a learning curve, however if you’re aware of the attributes you’ll need to succeed, you shouldn’t go too far wrong.
