Everyone would like to be a good leader, someone who is well liked and respected. Learning the distinction between being on friendly terms with your coworkers and being the type of boss that everyone enjoys working with is important. There are many ways to get your team to follow your lead without coming off as “bossy” or unapproachable. Your attitude will always dictate the working atmosphere, so it’s wise to learn how to maintain a good and positive attitude. Learning how to connect professionally with your team is always an important asset. So what are some things good leaders say to show that they are listening and thinking for the team? This simple list will point you in the right direction.
1. “What’s your take on this?”
In order to be an effective leader, knowing & appreciating what others think is important. Using this phrase will give you an idea of the other mindsets you have to work with.
2. “I have trust in you”
If you make others confident that you trust them, they are more likely to want to ensure nothing shakes this confidence. As a result, they’ll try to do their very best for you.
3. “I am proud of you”
This statement obviously doesn’t apply when work is poorly done. But if your team has tried its best and you know it, then simply acknowledging that you are proud of their effort is a better point of focus than harping on the negatives.
4. “Thank you” and “Please”
Treating others with respect will usually go a long way in being an effective leader. It’s hard to hold a grudge or be unpleasant to a leader who practices the simple art of saying please and thank you. After all, it’s something we teach children from the very start.
5. “That’s wonderful, let’s give it a go”
Encouragement followed by freedom to try an idea is another important leadership quality to extend. Failing to see the possibilities in ideas that come from others shows your team that you are not a team player or an encouraging leader.
6. “Where can I help?”
Even if you are not really needed in the actual execution of the project at a particular stage, extending the offer to help will warm the hearts of your team and they will respect you more for offering your support.
7. “I apologize”
There is nothing more humbling than a leader saying “I am sorry.” While some may look upon this admission as a sign of weakness, you would be wise to practice this acknowledgment if you want to win the respect of your team. If you are wrong, say so and move on.
8. “I am here if you need me”
Keeping open communication is always a good idea. Don’t be the type of leader who is high and mighty. If your team feels you are unapproachable then they won’t come to you with problems, thus delaying the smooth flow of projects.
9. “I am not perfect and neither are you”
Be the first to acknowledge that no one is perfect, including yourself. Once your team feels comfortable they will strive harder to learn from their mistakes, instead of just trying to avoid making mistakes all along. Letting them know that you don’t expect them to be perfect will motivate them to explore their curiosity.
10. “I can’t do it without you”
Making everyone feel valued is definitely the best way to get everyone committed and dedicated to the project at hand. When you make it clear to your team that you value their contributions, that appreciation will act as a motivator. Featured photo credit: Alex Proimos via flickr.com
