Coach’s Corner By Elizabeth McCormick
Top Ten Tips to Lift Your Leadership G
ood leaders are hard to find, and great leaders are even more elusive. Whether there’s a team reporting to you or not, you have the ability to lift your level of respect with your peers while also improving your capacity for greater lead- ership opportunities. To enhance your own abilities as a leader, begin with an in- tentional mindset of being open to new ways of thinking and new ways of interact- ing with your peers, your team, and your organization as a whole. To lift your leadership, start with this list of “Top Ten Tips:”
1. Listen to Your Team It’s not necessary for leaders to know
everything, but you do need to know what the individual skill sets are in your team members, so you will know who to approach to get the answer you need. It is also important to ask your team for input, and listen to what they have to say. They will appreciate being included in any decision made – especially if it affects their workload, their department, their budget, or the amount of time they have allocated. When your team feels like a val- ued part of the process, it helps improve both their personal connection and over- all commitment to the desired results.
2. Make Tough Decisions Your team may not like every decision
you make, but don’t let that scare you into not making the right decisions, or worse, no decisions at all. For any deci- sion you make, do your research and get feedback from your team. If you are able, explain your decisions diplomatically and address the concerns. At the very least, your team will feel informed, and be thankful the decision wasn’t theirs to make.
3. Delegate to Team Members There are many leaders who diminish
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As you lead by example in a mentorship role for those in your organization, others with similar skills and capabilities will follow your lead. This cultivates current and upcoming leaders to develop a mindset of helping others succeed.
their potential by hoarding tasks and du- ties because they’re afraid of what others will think if they ‘can’t do it all.’ This is a misconception that can lead to burnout, and even worse, cause your peers and teammates to lose their trust, respect, and loyalty to you as a leader.
autonomy needed (meaning – don’t mi- cro-manage them). Be sure to also give them the authority necessary to ask ques- tions and get help if needed. People will surprise you with their skill and abilities when given the trust in an opportunity.
4. Admit When You’re Wrong Everyone makes mistakes and leaders
are no different. When you make a mis- take, be up front with your team. Your hon- esty and vulnerability will help open a path- way to better trust and communication. When you show your willingness to trust them with your mistakes, they in turn will feel more valued as a team mem- ber and work with you to help correct mistakes, and ensure a lesson is learned for everyone involved.
5. Show Appreciation
Great leaders are also great delegators. If you are not sure what you can delegate, here’s a process for you to consider: • Make a list of your specifi c tasks and
duties
• Put your name next to the ones that you absolutely must do yourself. For ex- ample: signing checks, attending execu- tive meetings, and certain high-level ap- provals are not tasks and duties you can delegate.
• For the tasks that are left, think of people on your team and their specifi c skill sets. If they are capable of doing a task at least 80% as well as you – then del- egate that task.
• Empower your team with delegated tasks and duties while also allowing them
When your team members do good work, make sure you let them know you noticed. Write a hand-written thank you note, give them a special gift card, and take time to recognize them publicly. To make an even bigger impression – send their spouse a hand-written note sharing how important they were to the team’s success.
Appreciation goes a long way, and as you incorporate a culture of gratitude, your staff will reciprocate that apprecia- tion through loyalty and a job well done.
6. Be Willing to Get Your Hands Dirty
The most successful leaders won’t ever ask a team member to do something that they aren’t willing to do themselves.
March-April 2018 • AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING
iStockphoto.com/Dmitrii_Guzhanin
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