There’s more to being a good leader than being in charge. Authority may get things done on a basic, minimal level, but it’s likely to breed resentment and frustration if unaccompanied by anything else. If you want real success, leadership is needed – and for that, well developed people skills are required. Some people have natural talent, but most of us have to learn how to be a good leader.
That’s right: good leadership skills can be learned! We think the following are the most important skills to develop:
- Leaders set the tone, so be a good example. Embody the qualities you want your team/ staff/ employees to display. Work hard, dress smartly, be professional, be friendly and accommodating and don’t ask any members of your team to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself. Don’t place yourself in a position where you cannot credibly reprimand someone for a failing you’re guilty of yourself.
- Care about your team: ask them about their lives and families. Demonstrate that you think of them as people and not just employees. Ask them for their ideas and input. Employees who feel listened to, who believe you care about their welfare, are much more likely to be motivated and work hard. According to psychologists, feeling that you have no control over your work is one of the biggest sources of stress and depression in working people.
- On a similar note, get to know your team. Try to understand everyone’s differing strengths, weaknesses, personalities and preferences. This will make it much easier for you to manage them successfully.
- Be good at your job. Be knowledgeable about your industry and keep yourself informed about the latest developments. You need to be a position to provide advice and guidance on professional matters.
- Take responsibility for your decisions – especially when things don’t go according to plan. Nothing is more guaranteed to corrode morale than a leader who blatantly attempts to pass the buck and blame others.
- Be a positive person. Be ready to laugh – but with people, not at them! Have a sense of humour. Happy workplaces are well managed ones.
- Strong leaders develop confidence in their team. They are not dismissive and distrustful of others’ abilities – they help employees feel appreciated and capable. So don’t be afraid to delegate. Show the people you work with that you trust them to do a good job.
- Keep your staff informed. Let them know what’s going on. Don’t let potentially demoralising rumours spread.
So now you know – that’s how to be a good leader!
Good Leadership and Cleanliness
Effective leadership within a commercial environment also means instilling strong cleanliness standards. In the context of the workplace, the benefits are clear. Good hygiene practices prevent the spread of illness, promote a positive professional environment, and inspire confidence in teams. In fact, a recent study showed that 40% of professionals admitted that untidy workplaces make them less productive.
Therefore, it’s important as a leader to set the tone for the rest of the team. Embody cleanliness expectations in order to foster a healthy and productive environment. This can start with simple things like adding a hand sanitising station to your office or rewarding desk cleaning. Staying informed about the latest cleaning products and techniques ensures that leaders can maintain a consistently clean, productive environment. To do so, read our cleaning tips on our blog and explore our range of commercial hygiene products.
