Of all the responsibilities that a leader may have, mentoring those around them is perhaps the most important. After all good leaders not only have a love of learning themselves but should also strive to inspire others to have that same love of learning and self development.
Following are ten essential lessons every leader should be teaching.
How to give praise
Just as students tend to respond better to praise the same holds true with your team members. When the people in your organization receive praise and encouragement from you they come away with the sense that you have their backs. Give those around you praise and give it generously.
How to listen
Listening is one of the most important skills that you will develop as a leader and really as a person. Many leaders like to talk but you are guaranteed to be a much more effective leader when you learn to listen and really hear what others have to say. This will help to make more informed decisions in the future.
How to say no
Leaders (and parents) are probably the best when it comes to saying “no”. Listening may be one of the most important things to learn; saying no will be one of the hardest. as a leader, you may receive many recommendations, suggestions, invitations etc. and you won’t always have the ability to say “yes” for whatever reason. It is important to teach your team that how you say no is important.
How to work hard
Your team members will learn more from your example than by your words. Teams whose leader don’t work alongside them typically suffer from communication issues and a lack of respect for their leader. A great leader won’t ask their team to do something they would not do.
How to let things go
As a leader you will face many challenges and have many frustrations. Just as in everyday life, people will get on your nerves and annoy you. You’ll have pressures, deadlines, and disappointments, and obligations. Teach your team how to let things go and not get so stressed out over every little obstacle that comes along. Teach them to create a plan but to always expect deviations from that plan.
How to confront
Most people don’t like confrontation. We’d much rather give praise because confrontation can be anxiety provoking. But there are those times as a leader when you must confront others for whatever reason. How you confront them should be a teachable moment that shows how to be firm, how to be fair, and that you have accountability measures in place that you are not afraid to enforce.
How to say thank you
This one simple act can make a world of difference. If you want to see the atmosphere in your office or even your home improve, then take the time to thank those around you for all of their hard work. Gratitude and appreciation can go a long way.
How to forgive
Hang around in leadership long enough and you will understand the power of forgiveness. Life is simply too short to hold grudges and hold on to the hatred. Do it for yourself if not for anyone else.
How to set priorities
Setting priorities is extremely important to being productive. People in your organization need to see that you have a set of priorities that you live by. You teach priorities by your routines and time management. What’s important to you is given priority.
How to delegate
Delegation is the key to your success and that involves everyone in the process. Delegation is not just assigning the work you don’t want to do. It’s about matching the right people with the right skills to maximize productivity and results. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your business.
What do you think? Are there other essential lessons that leaders should be teaching.
