The Leadership Equation
In today’s workforce, many leaders have poor relationships with their team members. This is often because leaders believe it is up to their employees to form good working relationships with each other and their leader. However, this belief is just putting the ownership of worthiness, trust, ability, respect, and work ethic on the shoulders of others. According to John Eades, CEO of LearnLoft and author of, F.M.L. Standing Out & Being a Leader, leaders today have the wrong leadership equation. The correct equation is: “Leaders are responsible for the relationship with each individual their team member.” Here are some tips on how leaders can improve their relationships with team members.
Improving Relationships with Team Members
- Check Your Ego: If you are only focusing on yourself and what matters to you, your team will not be inspired to work for you. By removing your ego, you will break down the barriers preventing positive interactions with your team.
- Build Trust: Trust is built between leader and team member by the actions and behavior of the leader, so this always needs to be a top priority in your mind.
- Coaching: Being a good, positive coach can help improve a skill gap in your workforce while also improving how each team member responds to you.
- Put Down Your Phone: Give team members your full, undivided attention when you are interacting with them. This will help show them that they are a priority.
- Model Desired Behavior: Your team members are always watching, so be sure to hold yourself to the same standards that you expect from them. Be sure to compliment or reward team members when you see desired behaviors. This will encourage the behavior even more.
- Ask For Feedback: Being vulnerable in front of your team and asking for feedback on your leadership shows them that their opinions matter. It also demonstrates that good leadership is important to you and that you are willing to improve.
Click here to read the full article!
