7 steps to exercise good leadership

In recent years it has been possible to observe a growing wave of materials for those who want to become good leaders — books, courses, informative videos, workshops, lectures, etc.

This is because that profile of an inaccessible leader, who doesn’t trust anyone, who does everything alone, who doesn’t agree with any changes and doesn’t accept being contradicted, may have been popular in the past, but this model was abandoned a long time ago.

Today we see that good leadership requires, in addition to good professional training, social and management skills — points that can be returned!

1. Never stop studying

With so much material available on the internet, why not take the opportunity to become a professional in leadership? There are probably many techniques that you will only learn in practice, within the reality of the company in which you work. But it’s interesting to use different points of view, so there’s certainly a lot of content that other professionals can teach you.

two. Lead people as you would like to be led

This other version of the phrase “treat others as you would like to be treated” concerns the empathy that the leader must have with his subordinates. Put yourself in your employees’ shoes, listen to suggestions that arise and seek leadership that, in addition to being effective, is human and inclusive.

3. Invest in good communication

As with any personal relationship, communication is key. When passing a message to your team, be direct, transparent, sincere, empathetic and self-assured. Practice the motto of “always leave the door open” to questions that may arise, give constant feedback (both positive and negative) and, above all, in addition to talking, always be willing to listen.

4. Seek balance

Eventually it will be necessary to make demands and give negative feedback. However, to the same extent, there will be moments to defend your team, to praise, to give positive feedback. When you’re in a leadership role, it can be difficult to balance “the good cop and the bad cop,” but both positions are necessary for employee growth.

5. Know how to trust and delegate

There are leaders who believe they need to know everything that happens in the company, but the truth is that this creates work overload. To avoid this, you need to train your team, trust them and delegate tasks and decisions to employees who are prepared.

6. Be a leader who makes employees grow

It is also part of leadership to identify and encourage the talent of each team member — something that will be good for the person and the company. Leaders who teach, direct and give employees space to grow together are those who form true teams.

7. Be the example

Lastly, and most importantly, the leader needs to be an example in everything he wants his team to be exemplary of. Commitment, creativity, willingness to teach and learn, proactivity, security, openness to change, teamwork are some of the characteristics that contribute to success at work (and in leadership!).