Focus on training and developing people. Be willing to talk about uncertainty. A recent study by the Center for Creative Leadership showed that 38 percent to more than half of new leaders fail in their first 18 months. Leaders can avoid being part of this amazing statistic by incorporating good leadership strategies that motivate their team members to achieve their goals.
Robert Mann, author of The Measure of a Leader (iUniverse, 201), recommended focusing on the good in any set of circumstances. The more you look at the positive aspects of a problem, the more positively people will react to each other. Think of yourself as the conductor of an orchestra that focuses on helping everyone on your team perform at their best. To be effective in this job, you must understand your own strengths, as well as your weaknesses and leadership gaps.
Understanding yourself helps you build on your strengths and gaps. And, at the end of the day, we all need to understand what challenges us and allow that awareness to turn us into better leaders. What we understand, we own and what we own doesn't own us. Learn how to train your staff.
The best and strongest leaders know that they are only as good as the teams that surround them, so they place great emphasis on training and supporting their people, helping them to grow. It's important to give each person the attention and feedback that will motivate them to make significant contributions. Be willing to talk about difficult topics. It's always good to be able to act as an animator for your organization, but the most important task is to help your team overcome uncertain times.
Business is complicated, leadership isn't easy, and the path forward may be far from clear. Communicate with your team about the problems that your organization and the industry are facing, such as risks, variables and market volatility. When you do, not only do you build trust, but you also override speculation and rumors. Ask for help when you need it.
Most leaders consider themselves to be highly capable, which makes it even more difficult when they need to ask for support. However, enlisting the help of others will always be one of the best ways to become a better leader. If you're feeling stuck, find a mentor or hire a coach. When you act as a model of integrity and hard work, when you say what you say and walk by example, people will admire your leadership and work to emulate your behavior.
If you want to become a better leader, make an effort to model the qualities you'd like to see in your team and in others. Thank you for pointing out that it's important to ask for help when you need it, even as a leader. I've been wondering how to be a better leader for the people I work with. I think this might be difficult, but it's something I'd like to try.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant change in all sectors, including higher education. This fall, many students are planning to re-enter campus, but the universe of education is not the same. Regardless of how your students choose to attend college this fall (live, online, or a combination of both), the NSLS is here to help you get along the way.
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