Developing a leadership style that resonates with your team is about more than managing tasks and meeting objectives; it’s about connecting on a personal and professional level. This type of leadership involves understanding individual and collective needs, communicating effectively, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.
As an executive leadership coach, I’ve worked with leaders to foster meaningful connections within their teams, emphasizing that strong relationships enhance loyalty, increase motivation, and elevate job satisfaction among all employees. Here’s how you can start developing a leadership style that connects with your own team.
Establish Personal Connections
Make it a priority to interact personally with each team member regularly. Whether it’s a scheduled one-on-one meeting or a casual catch-up, these interactions are crucial for understanding individual challenges and successes. Personal connections like these underscore that you see them as people, not just cogs in the machine.
Ensure Frequent and Clear Communication
Clear, consistent communication is the backbone of effective leadership. Keep your team informed about ongoing projects, changes, and organizational goals. Regular updates and an open-door policy make your team feel valued and integral to the company’s mission.
Celebrate Milestones and Successes
Acknowledgment goes a long way. Celebrate team successes and individual milestones alike. Recognizing achievements, big and small, not only boosts morale but also encourages continued excellence and loyalty among team members.
Empower and Support Team Members
Provide your team with the autonomy to make decisions relevant to their work. Support them by offering the necessary tools and authority to solve problems independently. Empowering your team fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Provide Coaching and Accessible Resources
Invest in your team’s continuous development by offering coaching and access to resources that help them enhance their skills. Tailored coaching sessions address individual needs and career aspirations, which can significantly boost their competence and satisfaction.
Create a Safe and Open Culture
Create an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of repercussions. A culture of psychological safety encourages innovation and honesty, which are critical for team growth and cohesion.
Model Behavior and Set Expectations
Lead by example by embodying the values, ethics, and behavior you expect from your team. Demonstrating these qualities daily sets a powerful example and establishes behavioral standards for everyone.
Developing a leadership style that deeply connects with your team is not about grand gestures but consistent, genuine actions that show you care about them as individuals. By implementing these strategies, you can build a more cohesive, motivated, and loyal team.
Lead From Within: Inspire your team by demonstrating a leadership style that meets their needs and aspirations where everyone can thrive together.
#1 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:
- You Are the Message Make It Meaningful
- Overcome These Obstacles and Build an Effective Team
- Voice Your Values to be a Better Leader
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Team Happy and Motivated
- This is How Successful Leaders Build Great Teams That Last
- 10 Ways to Make Your Team Feel Appreciated and Important
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.