6 Powerful Tactics to Level up Your Leadership Style & Connect with Your Team
Younger Mllennials, Gen Zs, Gen Alphas - the new workforce is here, and it's going to change the game.
They're already redefining our relationship with work.
They expect more meaning from their work, even if that means sacrificing part of their salaries.
A survey by Deloitte revealed that 77% of millennials and Gen Zs prioritise a company's purpose over the size of their paycheck. They want roles and organisations that align with their personal values and offer opportunities for growth and contribution to society.
With different values and expectations compared to previous generations, leaders need to adapt.
They need to rethink how they show up to work and lead.
Being an effective leader is learning how to flex
Effective leadership is a craft that is equal parts art and science.
It requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
As the workforce becomes more diverse and collaborative, the one-size-fits-all management approach is becoming obsolete. In order to lead your team to success in the future, you need to take bold steps and refine your leadership style to make it your own.
Here are six power moves to level up your leadership style and connect with your team.
1. Embrace authenticity
Authentic leaders are those who lead from the heart.
They speak their truth, take personal responsibility, and lead with a strong sense of self-awareness.
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”
This resonates deeply with the essence of being an authentic leader. It's about showing up as your true self, not just who you believe you should be in your role. This authenticity invites others to do the same, cultivating a culture of honesty, integrity, and trust within the team."
To embrace authenticity, be transparent with your team and share your personal values. Encourage open communication and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.
Tips for you to try out:
Reflect on your values and beliefs and ensure they are aligned with your actions as a leader.
Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses with your team.
Share your story and personal experiences to connect with your team on a more human level.
2. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is arguably one of the most significant traits of effective leaders.
At its core, EQ is about understanding and managing not just your own emotions, but also being attuned to the emotions of those around you. It’s about empathy and building connections, handling conflicts with sensitivity, and making decisions with a blend of emotion and logic.
Essentially, EQ enables leaders to create a more harmonious and effective workplace by fostering an emotional understanding and rapport amongst team members.
Tips for you to try out:
Self-reflection on your EQ (and even seek 360-degree feedback to support you assessment)
Observe the impact of your decisions and behaviours on team dynamics.
Practice empathy and try to see situations from your team members' perspectives.
3. Shut Up and Listen
Listening is the most underrated skill in leadership.
When leaders make the effort to truly listen, they can gather more insights, build stronger relationships, and create an environment where everyone feels their voice is valued.
Additionally, listening can help leaders identify potential issues before they escalate into larger problems. By listening, you move away from assuming that you know best, and you allow your team and those around you to tell you what they need from you as a leader.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
Don't be one those leaders. Instead ask open ended questions, shut up and listen to what your team is trying to tell you.
Tips for you to try out:
Practice active listening by giving your full attention and asking open-ended questions.
Set aside time for one-on-one conversations with team members to understand their perspectives and challenges.
Follow up with your team members on their ideas or concerns, showing that you have taken them
4. Communicate Effectively
Clear communication ensures that your vision, mission, and expectations are understood by everyone.
It prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned and motivated.
Effective communication also means being able to adapt your style and message depending on the situation or audience.
As a leader, it's important to communicate not only what needs to be done, but also why it needs to be done. This helps team members understand the bigger picture and feel more invested in their work.
Tips for you to try out:
Tailor your communication style to your audience, whether it's a team briefing or a one-on-one conversation.
Use simple and concise language, be specific with your asks or instructions and ask for clarification questions
Leverage multiple platforms and check-ins to maintain an open line of communication within your team.
5. Lead by Example
People follow those who inspire them.
Leaders who set a high standard through their actions gain the respect and admiration of their team members.
Demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic sets the tone for the team to do the same.
Moreover, leading by example can also inspire others to strive for excellence and continually improve.
Want your team to embrace a growth mindset? Admit your own mistakes openly and let them know what you're going to do to address them.
Tips for you to try out:
Co-create the key behaviours you want to adopt as a team
Be the first to show you're adopting those behaviours to your team and they'll follow suit
6. Align Your Personal Values with Your Work
When you lead with values, you lead with purpose. And that helps you lead more authentically.
Leaders who can articulate and embody their values create environments where individuals are empowered to make meaningful contributions.
Make sure your personal values align with the company's and consistently strive to uphold them.
Not only will this help you stay motivated and fulfilled, but it also sets a positive example for others to do the same.
Tips for you to try out:
Articulate your personal values audit how you're doing against them
Co-create your team values and make sure they align with yours and with your team members'
Promote a value-driven culture within your team by recognising and rewarding behaviours and decisions that align with those values.
Incorporating these six power moves into your leadership toolkit will not only make you a more effective leader but a transformative one.
By adopting these approaches, you can shape a compelling vision for the future, connect with your team at an emotional level, and foster a culture of trust, respect, and innovation.
Leadership is not a destination; it's a continuous evolution. Make sure you're enjoying the process.
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