By Tanya Prive
Commitment
If you expect your team to work hard and produce quality content,
you’re going to need to lead by example. There is no greater motivation than
seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing
that hard work is being done on every level. By proving your commitment to the
brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will
also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff. It’s important to
show your commitment not only to the work at hand, but also to your promises.
If you pledged to host a holiday party, or uphold summer Fridays, keep your
word. You want to create a reputation for not just working hard, but also be
known as a fair leader. Once you have gained the respect of your team, they are
more likely to deliver the peak amount of quality work possible.
You want to keep your team motivated towards the continued success
of the company, and keep the energy levels up. Whether that means providing
snacks, coffee, relationship advice, or even just an occasional beer in the
office, remember that everyone on your team is a person. Keep the office mood a
fine balance between productivity and playfulness.
If your team is feeling happy and upbeat, chances are they won’t
mind staying that extra hour to finish a report, or devoting their best work to
the brand.
Creativity
Some decisions will not always be so clear-cut. You may be forced
at times to deviate from your set course and make an on the fly decision. This
is where your creativity will prove to be vital. It is during these critical
situations that your team will look to you for guidance and you may be forced
to make a quick decision. As a leader, it’s important to learn to think outside
the box and to choose which of two bad choices, is the best option. Don’t
immediately choose the first or easiest possibility; sometimes it’s best to
give these issues some thought, and even turn to your team for guidance. By
utilizing all possible options before making a rash decision, you can typically
reach the end conclusion you were aiming for.
Intuition
When leading a team through uncharted waters, there is no roadmap
on what to do. Everything is uncertain, and the higher the risk, the higher the
pressure. That is where your natural intuition has to kick in. Guiding your
team through the process of your day-to-day tasks can be honed down to a
science. But when something unexpected occurs, or you are thrown into a new
scenario, your team will look to you for guidance. Drawing on past experience
is a good reflex, as is reaching out to your mentors for support. Eventually
though, the tough decisions will be up to you to decide and you will need to
depend on your gut instinct for answers. Learning to trust yourself is as
important as your team learning to trust you.
Ability to Inspire
Creating a business often involves a bit of forecasting.
Especially in the beginning stages of a startup, inspiring your team to see the
vision of the successes to come is vital. Make your team feel invested in the
accomplishments of the company. Whether everyone owns a piece of equity, or you
operate on a bonus system, generating enthusiasm for the hard work you are all
putting in is so important. Being able to inspire your team is great for
focusing on the future goals, but it is also important for the current issues.
When you are all mired deep in work, morale is low, and energy levels are
fading, recognize that everyone needs a break now and then. Acknowledge the
work that everyone has dedicated and commend the team on each of their efforts.
It is your job to keep spirits up, and that begins with an appreciation for the
hard work.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/
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