When we speak about leadership, it’s not unusual to discuss the role of a leader in supporting others. But how often do we think about how we can support our leaders?
Few people—if any—have it at the top of their mind, but it only makes sense. Success comes from partnership, collaboration and cooperation, so why should support be a one-way street? Maybe it’s time to start thinking about how you can support your boss, your manager, or your leader. Here are seven easy ways:
Demonstrate loyalty. Loyalty is the ability to put others before yourself and stick with someone through good times and bad. Support your leader as a proud ambassador in public and a champion in private. Be willing to go to extraordinary lengths if necessary to help your leader succeed.
Offer solutions. When things break down, focus on solutions instead of problems; help brainstorm ideas and analyze available options. Find out what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again. Offer suggestions and, if appropriate, roll up your sleeves and help out.
Make information available. Whatever your leader’s style of communication, it’s always best to establish and maintain an open line between you. That means you keep your boss involved and informed and protect them from being blindsided. Summarize complex issues and believe me, your leader will thank you.
Take initiative. There are always numerous ways of going above and beyond at work. Look for challenges that stretch you and increase your competency. Try to anticipate what your boss might require or request and prepare it in advance.
Be reliable. We usually make promises with the best intentions of keeping them, but sometimes due to either external circumstances or internal shortcomings, we end up not honoring those promises. If your boss knows you’re someone who can be counted on, you’ll not only be supporting them in an important way but also helping yourself stand out.
Sweat the small stuff. Support your boss by getting ahead of deadlines. Don’t make them ever have to spend a moment reminding you of something or checking on your work. Simply doing your job consistently well turns out to be a huge help.
Treat your boss with respect. Respect your boss’s time and avoid unnecessary interruptions. Respect at work fuels the interplay between your independence as a professional and a healthy interdependence with your boss—one where you rely on each other for success at work.
Lead from within: You can’t achieve anything by yourself, and every leader needs a support system.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: iStock Photo
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Craig Nester
29. Nov, 2018
Bullseye! Great Blog…Is this the type of content in your book?