Research carried out by the CMI revealed that 82% of new managers in the UK are what they call “accidental managers” – meaning they have had no formal training in management or leadership.
In light of this, business coach Tim Brownson wanted to share his expert tips on how you can level up your leadership skills and be the best leader you can.
How to level up your leadership skills and be the best leader
Develop self-awareness
Make sure you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. Reflect on feedback and experiences to continuously improve.
Communicate effectively
It’s key to be clear and transparent with your communication, so ensure you’re actively listening to your team and articulating your vision and expectations well.
Foster a positive culture
Create an environment where team members feel valued and motivated by recognising their achievements, encourage collaboration, and maintain a positive attitude.
Embrace continuous learning
Stay updated with industry trends, read leadership books, and seek out training opportunities. A great leader is always learning and evolving.
Build strong relationships
Cultivate trust and respect with your team. Engage with them genuinely, understand their needs and aspirations, and support their growth.
Delegate wisely
Trust your team with responsibilities, delegating not only empowers your team but also allows you to focus on strategic tasks.
Adaptability
It’s important to be open to change and be flexible in your approach, adaptability helps in navigating challenges and leveraging new opportunities.
Lead by example
Demonstrate the behaviour and work ethic you expect from your team, if you lead by example it will build credibility and inspire your team to follow suit.
Set clear goals
Establish clear, achievable goals and provide the necessary resources and support to achieve them. Also, ensure that you regularly review and adjust these goals as needed.
Develop emotional intelligence
Enhance your emotional intelligence to manage your emotions and understand those of your team. This helps in handling conflicts, improving teamwork, and fostering a supportive work environment.
The business coach also shares his advice on the importance of being more assertive in your leadership role:
“It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses, which will allow you to lead with confidence and authenticity. It’s very important to be self-aware as a leader as this will enable you to communicate your vision clearly and stand firm in your decisions.
The key is to be proactive rather than reactive. This involves setting clear goals, making decisive actions, and taking responsibility for outcomes, all of which help in establishing authority and trust within your team”
