Leadership isn’t just about making decisions, it’s about learning what works, what doesn’t, and the ability to pivot quickly when necessary. A successful leader also knows when to take a step back to evaluate the situation. As an aspiring manager, begin assessing your strengths and weaknesses. What is your leadership style and how do you plan to grow professionally?
Read, “Learning How to Delegate” for more information on how to become a successful leader.
9 Leadership Tips for Non-Managers
- Consider Your Actions and Attitude.
Attitudes can be contagious. How you decide to speak and display what you’re feeling can make those around you feel either better or worse. Think about how you’re reacting to a situation and whether it will motivate and boost the energy around you. Don’t be negative. - Provide Concise and Consistent Communication.
As they say, communication is key. Leaders have impeccable communication skills. It’s important to communicate clearly with others: say what you mean and don’t be passive-aggressive. Clear communication also means communicating in a way that other people will understand, so make sure to know your audience and how you can adapt your message in a way that helps them learn. - Give Feedback Freely.
Even if you’re not in a supervisor, manager, or executive role, you can still give feedback to others. If you do have a suggestion for another person regarding something they can improve or work on, make sure you can support your point and know how to deliver the feedback in a respectful manner. Positive feedback is also beneficial; make those around you realize that people are paying attention to their work and it is appreciated. - Engage in Group Facilitation.
It’s important to learn how to work within a group if you’d like to lead a group of people someday. In groups, take on a leadership role if one is presented to you, whether it’s on a subcommittee or leading a side project. This may include taking on a leadership role that nobody else wanted to volunteer for, leading an event, or just organizing a group of people that need guidance. Hone in on your leadership skills and practice facilitating your group towards productive work to show those around you what you can do. - Be Flexible.
Be a nimble leader and try to eliminate micromanaging others. Something you may think is important may not be so important to those around you. To be flexible, focus on the end results. Maybe someone else will find a better path to get to the outcome. If the situation calls for it, be flexible, open-minded, and support other’s paths. - Help Others.
Be an approachable leader and bring others with you. Leaders want to see others grow and succeed in their roles. - Listen More.
Listen more, talk less. Make sure to listen to what others have to say, as they may come up with better ideas or different solutions to problems. As you listen, think of some meaningful questions to ask the speaker. Show that you do have an interest in what they’re saying and show you care. - Invest in Personal Growth and Development.
Don’t limit yourself to what your job title or job description outlines. Attend seminars, trainings, or workshops to further improve your leadership skills and develop the ability to work with and guide others. - Remain Responsive to Others.
If someone asks/requests something of you, be responsive – even if the response is, “I’ll get back to you soon.” Individuals like to be acknowledged and know that you hear what they say. Being responsive will show others that you care and are engaged in what they’re doing.
Interested in learning more leadership tips? Check out our HR blog series for additional blog posts on relevant topics for your business and employees. At Society, our people make the biggest difference; learn more about our career opportunities.
