What is the one thing that makes someone a leader? The answer is simple: leaders have followers. A true leader is someone people follow because they want to, not because they have to. If your employees are following your orders only because you are their boss and they don’t want to get fired, you are not a leader. Here are a couple of tips I give when I speak at conventions, conferences, and special events that can help you become a better leader.
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Let Your Employees Do Their Jobs
For the most part, your employees know how to do their jobs. They do not need you to micromanage every little detail. Employees tend to be more productive when they can adapt procedures to meet their needs.
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Show Your Employees that You Care
If your employees know that you are truly interested in helping them be successful in their jobs, they will try harder to produce great results. Be sure to let people know when they are doing a good job. Employees who do not feel appreciated usually have a low level of job satisfaction. If you don’t let your employees know that the work they do is valuable, they may start looking for another job where they will feel more fulfilled.
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Take Advantage of Training Opportunities
If you have the opportunity to attend motivational or leadership training, be sure to take advantage of it. A convention, conference, or special event speaker can teach you the strategies you need to know to be a more effective leader. Focus on the skills that will be most in demand for leaders in the coming years, such as emotional intelligence, big-picture thinking, and ability to coach others.
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