As we wrap up the end of an eclectic week of blogging I'd like to take a second to invite all my readers to chime in on what leadership qualities they value in their boss. What makes a good manager? What drives a company forward rather than sending it sprawling into the dirt? Most importantly, how can you develop your leadership qualities?
Contrary to popular belief, leadership skills can in fact be learned. Some people seem to have been born with the ability to inspire others to follow them, while others struggle to get their waitress's attention in a crowded restaurant. There are hundreds of factors that blend to make an effective and charismatic leader, but these are factors that you, no matter who you are or what you do for a living, can master.
First and foremost, listen-and let go of your ego! An effective leader is one who knows how to work as a team, which means the first step in developing your leadership skills should be to learn how to let go of your need to micromanage and accept that you're (probably) surrounded by people who know how to do their job. Let them do it.
Learn to encourage rather than browbeat. Occasionally a stiff disciplinary hand will be needed, but you'll find you get a great deal more with honey than with vinegar when you're working with employees and fellow team members. More importantly, learn how to set the example. Your employees will usually be willing to put as much of themselves into their jobs as you do, but you'll probably find you'll have trouble getting them to do any more!
There are thousands of leadership conferences around the world every year. Take advantage of them, and use their resources to help you develop your own leadership skills. Remember, in the fight against nature vs. nurture in the leadership environment nurture wins every time!
Find more tools for success at www.1uptoyou.com!
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