Leadership can be defined as the process of influencing others to accomplish a goal. In this article, we will discuss 6 Ways for Effective Leadership.
6 Ways for Effective Leadership:
1) Hold people accountable:
People will not perform as well as they can if you do not hold them accountable for their actions. When you create a goal, make sure that your team knows what is expected and then motivates them to accomplish those goals. If you notice that the team is falling behind or struggling with certain aspects of the assignment, discuss this with them and remind them of the accountability they have promised to take on throughout this project.
2) Praise individuals publicly and criticize privately:
There are times when giving individuals public praise will enhance their abilities and give them the self-confidence to continue producing high-quality work; however, there are also times when everyone needs constructive criticism for each member’s performance to improve. Everyone is on a team for a reason, and that reason is to contribute positively towards the end goal. When you notice an individual struggling with their specific responsibilities or falling short of achieving certain milestones, it’s important to note this behavior in private so that they can be reminded about what they need to improve upon; thus, motivating them and allowing them to produce better work.
3) Be transparent:
Being open and honest with your team will help them understand why decisions are made and how members’ contributions affect the final outcome. For example, if there needs to be a last-minute change of plans because something unexpected happened, which affects everyone’s performance on the assignment, being transparent with your team will prevent any unnecessary confusion. In addition, being clear about your expectations of the assignment will help to ensure that everyone understands what is expected of them.
4) Be decisive:
Being indecisive leads to delays, which leads to poor morale and lower productivity on team assignments. If you are not confident with certain decisions regarding timelines or goals, speak with your supervisor about their input on these matters. If possible, seek advice through other resources on campus (i.e., academic advisors, deans). Although it is important to take suggestions on board, be prepared for your final decision, thus ensuring that all deadlines are met and that the assignment has a sense of structure throughout its duration.
5) Listen:
There are times when everything appears perfect and times where everything seems like it’s going downhill. Highly successful leaders always listen to their team and ensure that no one is stuck on a problem for too long. It’s important to stay patient and provide guidance when needed, rather than giving up or completely walking away from the situation.
6) Be approachable:
There will inevitably be times where your team approaches you with opinions, suggestions, and/or criticism; as such, it’s important to remain calm and open-minded throughout these conversations. When discussing issues with your team members, make sure that everyone knows that they can speak freely about concerns without feeling intimidated by any aggressive behavior you might display in return.