Leadership

Leadership Lessons That Are Useful To Know - And What Not To Do

— Effective leaders help to build trust by being vulnerable, consistent in their efforts, and authentic at every point in their leadership.
By Emily WilsonPUBLISHED: September 27, 10:16UPDATED: September 27, 10:19 4480
Person leading a team with trust, strategy, and inspiration in a workplace setting

While some people are born to be leaders, others have to work hard for the same position in the workplace.

Effective leaders help to build trust by being vulnerable, consistent in their efforts, and authentic at every point in their leadership.

With that being said, there are a number of dos and don’ts when it comes to leadership success.

Useful leadership lessons

When you’re looking to improve your leadership skills or you’re just starting in the role, here are some useful lessons to embrace.

Build trust and relationships

When you foster genuine, trust-based relationships within your teams or organization, you’re likely to provide more of a connection between you and your peers.

Listen and empower your employees

The more you interact with your employees, the better. Listening and empowering your employees is a great way to help make them feel valued and respected. Delegating tasks and empowering team members helps give them autonomy. 

Cultivate a growth mindset

When you’re a lifelong learner, you will forever benefit from being open to knowledge. That growth mindset is something that’s crucial for leadership skills and growth within your role, especially when it comes to the adaptability you need.

Be a source of inspiration

When you’re maintaining a positive energy and mood, it helps to fuel your team in the right direction. Encouraging a positive and enjoyable work environment is paramount for success in a leadership position.

Focus on strategy and vision

Strategy and vision are two skills that you’ll want to have as a leader. That way, you’ll be able to inspire and motivate your teams forward.

Act with compassion and integrity 

Always show compassion and empathy towards others and take responsibility for mistakes that happen. Learn from them and use those lessons to improve.

What not to do when it comes to leadership

There are mistakes that you can make in leadership and that you should look to avoid for the sake of damaging your success.

Avoid micromanaging

Try not to micromanage your teams or organization in general. If you’re taking on everything and giving away nothing, then that’s going to self-sabotage your efforts when it comes to leadership.

Don’t act like a dictator

Acting like a dictator is not the best way to approach leadership. To avoid waving the nazi germany flag of dictatorship when leading a company or team in general, recognize that leadership is about influence and serving others, rather than exercising absolute power.

Hiding mistakes or not being authentic

Trying to appear perfect in your efforts as a leader is not going to help you in your leadership. Authenticity and vulnerability are where you’re going to build stronger relationships.

Being inconsistent or dishonest

If you’re constantly dishonest and inconsistent with your efforts as a leader, that’s not going to win you any points with your peers.

Resisting change

With a forever-changing business landscape, being adaptable and flexible to change is crucial.

With these tips, you’ll be able to be the leader you want to be, so benefit from the mistakes and learn from them as you grow as a leader.

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Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson is a content strategist and writer with a passion for digital storytelling. She has a background in journalism and has worked with various media outlets, covering topics ranging from lifestyle to technology. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.

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