Leadership has been defined simply as getting people to do what you want them to do, because they want to do it. This definition, and all others to be frank, revolve around one particular subject… people. People innately want to be a part of something that values and includes them. However, workforce values have changed dramatically over the years. People working in the same industry and in the same departments are now motivated quite differently (time, money, recognition just to name a few). How then, can you become an Exceptional Leader and how do you inspire a group of individuals to achieve your vision? In my experience, it begins by looking at the core of your business. No, not your annual budget, income statement or growth plan. The core of a successful business can be narrowed down to two fundamentals; people and culture. It requires constant investment, protection and preservation in that culture, and being relentless in the development of your people. Becoming an Exceptional Leader isn’t about using a formula, running down a checklist or writing a great business plan. Exceptional Leadership is about what you do, how you do it and why you do it. Additionally, it’s who you do it for, how your leadership makes them feel, and how you inspire them to do more for everyone else.
I have compiled a short list of fundamental character traits that I have garnered from my mentors and leaders. I call these traits, when adhered to habitually, the fundamental truths to achieving Exceptional Leadership. If your desire is to separate yourself from the average or even good leaders, you must be resolute in your commitment to these areas and also in the process of becoming exceptional.
- Exceptional Leaders are always extraordinary communicators. They know what to say and when to say it. Most importantly they know to simply say nothing and listen.
- Exceptional Leaders are skilled at owning it. They are better than most at admitting when they are wrong, embracing those moments and leading with a humble heart. This builds trust and loyalty amongst the team.
- Exceptional Leaders are serious about living the culture of the company. They model the values, behaviors and beliefs expected of everyone, and intentionally drive the culture to stay in line with the mission.
- Exceptional Leaders are first-rate teachers. They understand the importance of training and continual education, and inspire their employees to learn.
- Exceptional leaders are always accountable to their employees and themselves, be it good or bad.
- Exceptional leaders are renowned for collaborating with and empowering their people.
- Exceptional Leaders are kind with people, but tough on results.
- Exceptional Leaders have an unwavering level of integrity and a commitment to making the tough decisions.
As we discussed earlier, workforce values have changed. Staying ahead requires forward-thinking, exceptional leaders to look inward and adapt their leadership style to the needs of their people. This is how strong leaders stay strong. The alternative is losing top talent, a decrease in sales and profit, and your company losing market share.
A previous mentor once said to me, “people join a company, but leave their boss”. The reason for this is unfortunately quite simple...lack of engagement. However, if you can overcome this you will create buy-in from your team and put yourself on the path to becoming a top leader. Lack of engagement usually falls into one of three categories: The leader doesn’t genuinely live and engage in the culture of the business(creating a lack of trust), the leader doesn’t engage or create value in the employee(creating a lack of respect), the leader doesn’t engage and adapt their leadership style to their employees learning style(creating a lack of loyalty). The result? Employees that are not focused at work, a decrease in productivity, and inevitable profit loss. This Gallup study shows how managers are responsible for a near 70% variance in employee engagement. https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/182792/managers-account-variance-employee-engagement.aspx
So if engaging your people is the path to trust, respect and loyalty, what does that engagement look like? When you really break it down to its simplest form, it comes back to what we stated was the core of your business, culture and people. You must determine what matters most with your employees. The best way to do that? Talk to them! Find out what they like and dislike about their role. Identify what they are doing well and where they can improve and share it with them regularly. Authentic and sincere communication creates value in your people and improves productivity. Here are a few ways to engage your employees on a higher level.
- Set up specific times to meet with your team, both in groups and individually
- Always have specific topics to discuss, as well as open conversation
- Ask your people how they want information communicated to them
- Identify your company's successes and failures and share that information with your team
- Find out how your people achieved their results.
- Celebrate all successes!
- Collaborate and engage with your team for explanations, solutions and possible new innovation
- Develop sustainable, positive and agreed upon solutions for areas/departments needing improvement
- Empower your people to create the measures of accountability, then hold them to it
- Own it – All the good, the bad and the ugly. No one wants a leader to throw blame around. After all, they are your employees and you have led them here
Elevating your leadership is about getting the most out of your people, inspiring them to be better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today. A leader's ability to adapt to the needs of their people will set them apart, creating loyalty and sustainable growth in your organization. Understanding how to engage with them, knowing that it may be different from person to person, will allow you to better align your people with the business’ goals and ensure that accountability is free from conflict. When your people believe you are there to support them and help them grow they, in turn, will provide you with a level of consistent performance that pushes your business forward. Remember, leadership is not a position or a title, it’s a skill set. And being exceptional at leadership is a practice that requires commitment, patience and adaptation.
“If your actions inspire people to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” - John Quincy Adams
Are you interested in exploring ways to improve employee engagement through your leadership and becoming an Exceptional Leader? Contact Blanchard Walsh Consulting to schedule a free consultation today.
