The human side of a successful leader and why it’s so critical.
Most executives know what it takes to be a successful leader: implementing the right strategies across all business functions, hiring the right people, writing a business plan, understanding your target market and competition, and more. However, success doesn’t always come to those who are tenacious or opportunistic. The most important side of a successful leader can often be ignored: the human side.
Here is how one can vastly improve their leadership success from the human perspective:
- The ability to get along with people –The world consists of many different personalities. A successful leader must be able to adapt their personality to the personalities of a wide range of people. Connecting and communicating well with employees and showing respect and consideration are critical to developing a great corporate culture. If you take outstanding care of your employees, they will, in turn, take excellent care of your customers.
- Your approach is always positive – There are always setbacks in everything you do. Knowing your strengths, believing in them and embarking on a positive path despite any setbacks will enhance your journey towards leadership success.
- Service is more important than revenue –If you provide a quality product with extraordinary service, the revenue will come. My motto is this: you should be more concerned about what you can put into a situation rather than what you can get out of it. Most people get it backward. The bottom line is essential, but when you provide a product or service that solves a need, AND provide something above and beyond what is expected, the bottom line will take care of itself.
- Employee Empowerment/Engagement –Too many times leaders take on work because they feel they can do it more quickly or better. Good leaders empower their people to do their jobs and have confidence in their abilities. That is why you hired them in the first place, so let them do their job despite the mistakes they might make along the way.
- Taking Responsibility/Giving Credit – A good leader always takes responsibility when things go wrong. A great leader always gives credit to others when things go really well.
- The Attitude of Gratitude – Take time to recognize people for the work they have done, and especially do it in front of their peers. Simple gestures like saying thank you, providing small gifts for going beyond the call of duty, and finding ways to recognize employees who exemplify the company’s core values are great steps towards building a terrific company culture.
Relationships, both personal and professional, and a sound company culture are critical to success. Trust and respect should be a core value of all organizations. Every successful leader knows that effective communications and employee relationships build trust and accountability.
It’s not about sales, but rather about providing added value and solutions to the lives of others. By doing so, the revenue will come. Employees will be highly motivated and work for the company if they believe you care about them and are sincere in your communications and interactions. People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care. www.marklewisllc.com