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Talent, resources, marketing, and technology are all crucial factors in business productivity, but leadership – which is often overlooked – may have just as much power. The decisions made by business administrators have a direct impact on the performance of employees and may dictate the gradient of the company’s growth curve. For this reason, business leaders need to know what makes a good leader and how they can use their attributes to create a productive work atmosphere and improve efficiency. Here are a few tips you can use as a business leader:

1. Don’t stop learning

You might have earned your way up the company echelons, but that is not to say you have reached the zenith of administrative knowledge. There is always room for learning. The best part is that you can learn and hone your leadership skills by observing your seniors, peers, and competitors and jotting down notes. If what you want is not just to be a good leader but also to increase your marketability and set yourself up for promotions and better job opportunities, consider furthering your studies while working. An online MBA with no GMAT exam is a good example of a program that can greatly improve your leadership skills and increase your value in the job market without affecting your current work.

1. Lead by example

Communication is crucial, but alone it cannot bring out the best in your workforce. Instead of issuing orders from an office and expecting perfect implementation, how about you make yourself part of the project? Show your workforce what you want through actions. This way, it will be easier for them to grasp your idea. It will also motivate them to give their best, seeing you are willing to get your hands dirty for the sake of success.

1. Work on your communication

If you understood the meaning of “leader,” you would know why communication is a core aspect of your job description. As a leader, you are charged with providing guidance to junior employees. That requires communication, and any ineptitude in conveying information is bound to reflect on various operations and projects.

Strong and effective communication skills are critical in inspiring others to realize their full potential. If you want employees to give you their best, you have to know how to communicate it. Always provide context, content, and an agenda in your communication. Learn to listen, and if possible, ask for ideas directly from employees.

1. Invite and respond to feedback

Employees have different talents and skill sets, and just because you rank higher than them doesn’t mean they are less adept than you are. Remember, it’s them who are on the ground. Some of the things they experience directly might give them game-ideas that you may have never thought about. In a word, whatever idea you receive from your juniors is worth pondering. If it seems workable, implement it. If it isn’t, get back to the employee and explain to them why you think their idea is not feasible.

1. Reward good work

Everyone wants to be recognized and appreciated for their good work. It gives them a reason to work with the company’s best interests at heart. You can even introduce a rewards program that promises predetermined bonuses to workers who achieve a certain feat. Promotions and days off are other effective ways to incentivize good work.

1. Be optimistic

Successful business leaders typically have an optimistic attitude towards work, which serves as motivation to followers. When a leader seems discouraged, apathetic, and pessimistic about a project, employees are likely to pick up the vibe too. Even if you project failure on a task, try to wear a demeanor of positivity just to avoid infecting employees who look up to you.

1. Encourage teamwork

Teamwork makes the dream work. When employees work towards achieving the same ultimate result, there is a smoother flow of events, and costly oversights are kept to a minimum. It is your work as a leader to ensure there is harmony in the workplace, and internal competitions are eliminated. Some strategies for encouraging teamwork include adopting an open-layout office plan and organizing team-building events. You can also take it upon yourself to solve personal differences between employees.

Endnote

Leadership is not all talent and inborn ability. It is also about learning and making routine and behavior tweaks with experience. If you believe you have talent, that is just half of what is needed to make good as a business leader. The above tips will help with the other half and hopefully make you a complete and effective executive over time.