Being a Leader may not come naturally to you but here are three strategies which will send a positive Leadership message.
MAKING THEM FEEL VALUED
My client is an engineer and although he cares very much for his team, he is not a natural people person. So, we created a system to make them feel valued.
Every week, he put three names in his diary, with a monthly repeating cycle. When a name comes up, he seeks out that person, has a coffee with them or even just a conversation. He finds out how they are going, what obstacles they’re experiencing at work, and what’s happening in their family.
It doesn’t take long, but this time spent with the boss’s attention, is motivating and leaves them feeling special and listened to. Pure gold.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
The most common complaint from employees is lack of communication from management. Two of my clients have solved this to the team’s complete satisfaction. One holds a ‘Town Hall’ meeting at a barbeque breakfast once a month where he shares with the team all the wins and the challenges they are facing. They can ask any question and will get an honest answer.
Inspired by this idea, another client now cooks his workshop crew a barbeque breakfast every Friday morning. It’s a relaxed affair and the discussion has become a place of great ideas and improvement suggestions from the crew.
Communication and food is a great combination.
IGNITING THEIR PASSION FOR THE JOB
My client had some problems internally which needed attention. His team was also a bit flat, and he wanted to ignite the passion for the job the way they had felt on the day they started. I recommended we invite them to an Open Space meeting.
Open Space meetings are unique and solve complex problems you needed solved by yesterday. It reignites their passion for the job plus they take accountability to solving the problems they’ve discussed.
Everyone turned up, they all chose discussion on issues they wanted to see resolved, came up with suggestions and agreed to see the problem through. He ended up with three groups who became champions within the business. Energy was high, discussion was open, and responsibility was taken. All within one half day.
So, if you wish to become seen as an inspiring leader and leave your competition wondering what you’re doing to increase productivity, motivation and innovation, try one or all three of these strategies.
