Top Tips for Leading & Managing
Shakespeare said in Henry V: “Are you an officer or are you base, common and popular?” That little quote tells us many things - not least of which is how difficult it can be to strike the right balance with your team.
In an ever-changing world how can you lead from the front but still be part of the team?
Here are a few ideas to get you there:
- Two for the price of one: Leading and managing are of course two different things. Entrepreneurs often find themselves covering both roles, in spite of the fact that there are different skill sets involved. Acknowledging this is a great first step.
- Follow me: Being a leader means having to signpost the way forward and having the confidence to know you’re heading in the right direction. Communication to the rest of the team is key – never assume everyone knows the reason you are doing something or how important they are in helping make it happen.
- Blue sky: Being inspirational is never easy. There has to be substance and knowledge to support your Eureka moments. So scheduling time out for ‘blue sky’ thinking and research is crucial.
- Passion: Caring about the people who will be delivering your vision is one of the keys to success. Developing their skills goes hand in hand with the growth and evolution of your business.
- Ownership: People put more energy, thought and commitment into their work if they feel they are a real part of the business. Here’s where focused management of expectations, understanding needs and concerns and listening carefully really makes a difference.
- Finding the positive: Even if you have to give some challenging/negative feedback to a team member – which should always be done privately if possible – try and find a positive to highlight before you tackle the tougher issue.
- Consistency: One thing that confuses and disunites a team is mixed messages. Saying one thing one week and then moving the goalposts the next without good reason creates unease. Clarity of purpose takes the team with you on the journey – and you’re all then pulling in the same direction.
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