Gallup studies continue to reveal that a significant number of team members resign from their positions due to poor or ineffective leadership. Unfortunately, leaders around the world are getting a bad rap, and there's immense pressure placed on them today. If you're a C-suite executive, a leader within your organization, or a business owner with a team, this article is for you. I'm here to break down three steps that can help you elevate your leadership, foster empathy from your team members, and remind everyone that leaders are people too.
At Rise Up For You, where we specialize in leadership training and professional development, our mission is to help leaders like you reach your full potential. As the CEO and founder, I'm passionate about sharing insights that elevate your performance in the workplace, advance your career, and enhance your leadership skills.
When I was 27 years old, I became an executive of an educational corporation. I had 200 team members under me, and I have to admit, I was not ready for that position. I learned a lot very quickly and understood that, unfortunately, leaders don't always receive the same type of empathy that team members expect from them.
Let me say that again: leaders don't always get the same type of empathy that team members expect from their leaders. But the reality is that leaders are people too, and they make mistakes. In this article, I'm going to share with you three steps that can help you become a better leader so that your team trusts you and you can create genuine relatability.
Step 1: The Best Leaders Ask a Ton of Questions
The best leaders in the world ask a multitude of questions. They do not make assumptions about situations or dynamics within the workplace. Instead, they seek to collect as much data as possible to take the right action steps that will benefit their team, their organization, and their overall mission.
Leaders who struggle often fail to ask questions. They make assumptions and then take actions based on those unfounded beliefs, only to find that it creates more chaos and disruption. The next time a situation arises or you feel frustrated, make it a point to gather ample information before proceeding. This approach is a cornerstone of effective leadership training and will significantly enhance your professional development.
Step 2: Great Leaders Don't Rely Solely on Third-Party Information
This step ties directly into the first. Great leaders never take everything they hear at face value, especially when it's third-party information. Let's be real—team members sometimes gossip about others, and the workplace can become a breeding ground for negative chatter.
The most effective leaders learn to tune out this noise and form their own opinions about individuals and situations. Getting caught in the gossip cycle can lead to biases that negatively impact how you lead and serve your team. Remember, anything you hear through the grapevine could be a myth or exaggerated. It's your responsibility to discover the truth for yourself before taking any action. This discernment is a critical aspect of professional development and leadership training.
Step 3: The Best Leaders Remove Their Ego
Great leaders understand the importance of setting their ego aside. This can be challenging because, after all, you're human—you have feelings and emotions. However, the ability to remove your emotions from a situation allows you to best serve your team and the individual in front of you.
I can attest to how difficult this is. I've had team members sit across from me, criticizing my leadership and, at times, being outright insubordinate. In those moments, I had to learn to stay neutral and level-headed. I would say, "I hear you, thank you for sharing. However, the behavior you're displaying isn't acceptable for our company moving forward."
When we let our ego take control, we respond emotionally, often escalating situations rather than de-escalating them. Exercising great leadership means managing your ego effectively. There's a time and place for ego—it isn't inherently bad—but when leading your team, it needs to be removed from the equation. This allows you to think clearly and consider all angles to support your team fully.
This step is closely linked to emotional and social intelligence. The more self-confidence and self-awareness you possess, the better you'll be at removing personal emotions from professional situations. You'll be able to respond as a leader with executive presence, a crucial skill emphasized in leadership training programs.
Closing Thoughts on Professional Development
Your journey as a leader is an ongoing process of growth and learning. By implementing these three steps—asking questions, avoiding assumptions based on gossip, and removing your ego—you can elevate your leadership and build trust with your team. Remember, leaders are people too, and fostering empathy and understanding within your team creates a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Investing in leadership training and professional development isn't just beneficial—it's essential. By continuously developing these skills, you'll not only enhance your leadership capabilities but also inspire those around you to rise up and reach their full potential. After all, nothing great can be accomplished alone. It takes a community of supportive and understanding individuals to achieve true success.
At Rise Up For You, we're dedicated to helping leaders like you navigate these challenges and excel in your roles. For more resources on leadership training and professional development, feel free to reach out or explore our programs designed to elevate your leadership journey.
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