Leading people is a beautiful task and a great challenge at the same time. Leaders/managers are on the front line and are responsible for employees, company processes and achieving their department’s or company’s goals. Being a good leader requires a combination of skills, experience and personal qualities. Furthermore, leadership is a question of mindset.
In my experience, a good manager is characterized above all by efficient and effective personnel management and clear and transparent communication – towards superiors because they can support them in their tasks and towards employees because they are their most important asset. It is well known that high employee satisfaction leads to higher productivity, better results, and a better company bottom line. Managers should take this seriously.
Becoming a good leader becomes particularly challenging when you switch from a purely operational role to leading a team. This role change requires strong personal development in order to be accepted by the team in the new role and, at the same time, to be able to perform and carry out the new tasks.
Questions that leaders should (not) ask themselves
There are questions you should NOT ask yourself on your way to be becoming a leader, because they will slow you down. I make this appeal, particularly, to women more prone to self-doubt. The questions I mean are:
- Do I trust myself to do this?
- Can I do it?
- Can I do it?
Believe that you are up to the task. Otherwise, you would not be given the opportunity.
Nevertheless, there are questions that you should ask yourself, as they will show you ways to get into action, in line with Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach’s wise statement: “There is only one proof of ability: doing”.
– How can I implement my tasks?
– What do I need to become a good manager?
– Who can support me and how?
– What do I still need to learn in order to fulfill my new role well?
Impulses for Leaders
In the following, I have put together some ideas for you that can be helpful companions on your path to becoming a successful leader/manager.
1. Your inner and outer attitude is the basis of good leadership.
A positive mindset, clear values, positive thinking, and authentic actions are essential for successful leadership. Your charisma, body language, and charisma are crucial for inspiring and taking people along your journey.
2. Good self-management
Be good to yourself and take care of yourself. You cannot be good to others if you are not suitable to yourself. Be aware of your idiosyncrasies and habits (self-perception and perception of others) to adjust your behavior and develop your potential.
3. Remain yourself and continue to develop.
Be authentic and don’t play a role. Don’t be a boss. Be a leader and offer your employees the opportunity to grow and develop. Then, you, too, can continue to develop and take new steps.
4. Communicate properly and listen carefully!
Because if you can’t communicate, you can’t lead. This requires good listening skills in order to meet people where they are. Communication occurs on all levels: mentally, verbally, and through body language. And be aware of your thoughts, because they guide your communication and actions.
5. Define the direction, the path, and thus the goals (strategy).
…and communicate them clearly. A sales target is not a goal but the result of a successful strategy.
6. Define clear rules and monitor compliance with them. Communicate your expectations and introduce transparent rules for everyone. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and bad moods and to optimize the working atmosphere and workflow.
7. Efficient time management
As a manager, you must manage many tasks simultaneously. Prioritize your time, set clear goals, and learn to delegate tasks. This will free up your time and involve and motivate your employees at the same time.
8. Be decisive and solution oriented.
As a manager, you often must make quick decisions. Be courageous and take the initiative, always with the company’s goals in mind.
9. Be a role model.
Your employees look to you for guidance. Share your experiences and success methods so your employees can continue to develop.
10. Analyze different personality types and deploy people where they are most effective.
Be empathetic and build on strengths rather than weaknesses. Understand your employees’ individual needs and working styles and steer them towards achieving common goals. And: Be patient with yourself and others!
11. Motivate yourself and your team and strengthen the team spirit.
A motivated manager inspires your team and your customers because the positive energy is transferred to others. Show your employees appreciation and recognize successes. Encourage team spirit, support, and empower your employees to take on new tasks. This will create a positive working atmosphere and a good working environment. Your customers will also notice this and thank you for it.
12. Leadership is a challenge
It requires responsibility, resilience, and dealing with different personalities. You can become a successful manager with the right attitude and continuous development. Work on yourself daily, ask the right questions, and develop a strong awareness of moods, people, and situations. Get feedback from time to time.
Rarely does a master fall from the sky, and even more rarely does a manager. Take on new challenges every day, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. They are part of the job, and you can learn from them. Enjoy your successes. Give yourself a pat on the back when no one else does.
I wish you every success on this exciting journey!
You may be interested in my leadership seminars. If yes, take a look!