Relationships Still Matter!
Technological innovations are changing the way we do business. It’s impossible to read an article without seeing how some new technology, software, or tool is changing how we interact with our team. As much as we need to embrace technology, leadership is still about relationships.
Increase your leadership skills by doubling down on your soft skills and increasing your connectedness to your team.
7 Tips for Being a Better Leader in 2020
Invest in your team
Great leaders care about career paths and career trajectories of their team as much as their own. Sit down with each team member to find out what they want to accomplish long term. Are they where they need to be? What training can you recommend for them? What projects can you give them that would allow them to build skills toward their ideal position?
Build collaboration within your team
A team works best if they are able to easily collaborate and connect with fellow team members. Even if many of the tasks required are solo work, it’s important that team members know they can rely on each other. Do you create an ‘all hands on’ atmosphere that encourages team members to help and encourage each other? This has to be done from the front (they see what you do more than what you say).
Build cross-functional ties
Most organizations rely on cross-functional teams for projects. Are you buildling relationships across many different functions? Take a co-worker from a different department to lunch. Ask for feedback or ask how their project is going. Encourage your team to do the same to build relationships across the company as well as within their team or department.
Always be recruiting
Finding the right fit for your team is often difficult. We have a war for talent in the U.S., and it’s tough to find the right skills, right attitude, and right fit WHEN you need it. Network both online and offline and build relationships long term. It’s easier to hire the right person if you have a large network of great people that you can either hire directly or ask for recommendations.
Be positive
People are motivated by and are attracted to positive people. Be the positive force on your team. Encourage an upbeat, can-do attitude.
Allow for failure
Your team needs to know that mistakes are part of business. While you don’t want to let your team completely fail, give them some room to fall and get back up. Trust them to make good decisions and help them improve. By knowing they have your support, they will be able to shine.
Care
I was serious when I said double down on your soft skills. Employees know when you are there for your benefit only. I challenge you to truly care about your team. Invest in them as a team member as well as a person. Get to know them. Invest in their success.
