The stages of leadership - walk the talk
The stages of leadership - walk the talk
The stages of leadership - walk the talk
These strategies focus on what you DO as a leader, rather than what you SAY.
Giving verbal praise is sometimes not enough. One of the key stages of leadership development is creating an environment where people feel acknowledged and appreciated. The intention is to create that environment where employee motivation becomes effortless.
1. Create an "Open Door" environment
Many managers SAY their door is always open but in reality the door is normally closed. Realistically you can't always be available to discuss issues with your team. But you can set aside time specifically for this. And during that time you need to be really present. This means making eye contact, paying attention and not jumping to conclusions.
2. Create a safe place for growth
Do you encourage your staff to be the best they can be? Or are you worried they'll get so good that you're not needed any more? If you are insecure about your position you might find your team are back-stabbing, unhealthily competitive, secretive and unwelcoming to newcomers. An important stage of leadership development is handling your own insecurities so that your team members can grow.
3. Provide information
Does your team know why it does what it does? Or is there a "need to know" culture in your department? Secrecy zaps employee motivation. Trusting your people to understand and respond to the full picture encourages employee motivation.
4. Avoid over involvement
If you are involved in the minutiae of your team's work you are demonstrating that you don't trust them. Imagine if your work was checked continually. Would you be able to originate creative ideas, learn and improve, get your work done?
5. Do what you do best and vice versa
Part of your role is to help people identify their strengths and work to them. Notice what your team members do best and move them in to areas that make the most of their natural gifts.
*******
If you are interested in the stages of leadership development, you may enjoy reading a more in-depth article on Stress Reduction Communication Tools which is ideal for leaders looking to communicate more effectively with their teams
********
You may be interested in some of our other free "stages of leadership development" articles:
