As a leader, your influence shapes the success and morale of your team (for good or for bad). Harnessing positive influence is key to creating a thriving workplace. Let’s dive into practical tactics to elevate your leadership and make your team unstoppable!
Why Positive Influence Matters
Positive influence isn’t just about being liked; it’s about inspiring and motivating your team to achieve their best. When leaders use their influence effectively, they can boost productivity, foster a collaborative environment, and drive innovation. The great news is that it does not take a lot of effort to positively influence those around you. Check out the top 6 actions you can take today!
1. 👏Lead by Example: Actions Speak Louder Than Words 👏
Leadership is no longer sitting behind a desk and telling people what to do. Your behavior sets the tone and expectations for your team. Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others by rolling up your sleeves and digging in alongside your team.
What to do:
Show Integrity: Always act with honesty and transparency.
Be Consistent: Ensure your actions align with your words.
Work Hard: Exhibit a strong work ethic that motivates others to follow suit.
Example: If you value honesty and open communication, make sure you take responsibility for your own mistakes and create an environment of ‘no blame; no shame’ for others to be able to do so as well.
2. 🎉Cultivate a Culture of Recognition and Appreciation 🎉
Recognizing and appreciating your team’s efforts can significantly enhance motivation and job satisfaction. Pro tip: Knowing how the individual members of your team would like to be recognized will make it even more meaningful.
What to do:
Regular Acknowledgment: Recognize achievements during meetings or through company-wide emails/messages/newsletters.
Personalized Thanks: Write personalized notes or messages acknowledging individual contributions (This is one of my favs!).
Celebrate Milestones: Organize small celebrations for project completions, anniversaries, or significant achievements. Pro Tip: Don't forget to celebrate the journey - not just the final outcome.
Example: Start a “Shout-Out” section in your team meetings where team members can recognize each other’s efforts.
3. 💪Empower Your Team: Trust and Delegation 💪
Empowering your team fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
What to do:
Delegate Effectively: Assign tasks based on individual strengths and interests. Pro Tip: Ask your team members what they are interested in and how they like to contribute -don’t just tell them what to do based on your needs.
Provide Autonomy: Allow team members to make decisions and take ownership of their projects.
Support Development: Offer opportunities for professional growth and learning.
Example: Delegate a significant project to a team member and support them with the necessary resources, but give them the freedom to approach it in their own way. Be sure to provide them with needed resources and support so they can be successful.
4. 🗣️Foster Open Communication: Listen and Be Present 🗣️
Effective communication is the backbone of strong leadership. Being approachable and genuinely listening to your team can build trust and improve team dynamics. Pro Tip: NEVER underestimate the power of listening with the intent to understand.
What to do:
Open-Door Policy: Encourage team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns freely.
Active Listening: Pay attention, ask questions, and provide feedback during conversations.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings to better understand individual team members' perspectives and needs.
Example: Hold monthly one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their progress, challenges, and career aspirations.
5. 🎨Encourage Innovation: Embrace Creativity and Risk-Taking 🎨
Innovation is fueled by a culture that encourages creativity and is not afraid of failure.
What to do:
Create Safe Spaces: Encourage brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcome. (There is nothing better a leader can do than to create truly safe spaces for their team.)
Reward Risk-Taking: Acknowledge and reward efforts to try new approaches, even if they don’t always succeed. You must create a culture that supports experimentation and learning together - which means that sometimes things fail, and that’s OK.
Provide Resources: Ensure your team has access to the tools and training needed to innovate.
Example: Implement a “Creative Fridays” initiative where team members can spend a portion of their day working on innovative projects or learning new skills.
Do you or your team need additional support? Book a FREE Clarity Call today to learn more OR
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