Leadership is an important quality in life that is learned and refined through years of experience. Here are five practices you can start doing to become a successful and influential leader in any workplace.
Exude a Positive Outlook
“People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining,” said Stephen Hawking, the brilliant and influential theoretical physicist. In order to lead and influence others, you should always have a positive mindset and disposition towards anything life throws at you. Start by being excited about going to work even if you get pressured by your employers or get shouted at by department managers. Greet your coworkers with a smile and your customers with an even bigger one.
Be Assertive
One of the key parts taught in influence training programs is the quality of assertiveness. Believe it or not, you can increase your chances of getting whatever it is you want simply by being assertive towards other people. When you want someone to do a task for you, you have to make them want that responsibility. Aggression will not yield the level of success you desire. You must consider what your group needs and accept relative input they offer, otherwise your aggression may be perceived as bullying and humiliating.
Think Logically
Leave emotions out of your decision-making process. When times of conflict arise, deal with the problem in an objective approach. When two parties are involved, do not take a side. Instead, listen to what each party has to say and then make a logical decision. Not taking sides can earn you respect and, consequently, influence from your team members. This should also be your approach towards your customers, distributors and suppliers.
Be Involved
People who simply delegate orders and watch from the sidelines are not influential leaders. Being a proactive member of your workplace is important to lead and influence others in the future. After all, who better to listen to and follow than someone who has learned the ropes and the inner workings of a business? Be involved in any related activities and programs in your workplace. Attend seminars and gatherings where you can participate and build connections.
Be Open-Minded
Keep an open mind especially towards constructive criticism from your team members. There will be times when your group won’t approve of your decisions. This opposing force is actually a good thing to keep moving forward. When you make a mistake, apologize and give credit when credit is due. On the same note, however, don’t try to please everybody. You’ll likely burn yourself out doing so.
As the late Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life” Make decisions that you think is right for your workplace and not decisions that others want you to make.
Leadership is not a quality that is learned overnight. You have to consistently invest time until it becomes an inseparable part of your personality.
