Some leaders may be in their position by default, because they started the company for example. However, true leadership is not something that is simply granted, but rather earned.
It is earned from how leaders engage with, relate to and empower others.
“The measure of your success as a leader comes from how others perceive you, and how much you inspire and enable them,” states Mark Cushway, entrepreneur and leadership coach.”
Mark is a hugely experienced, well-respected motivational speaker and business mentor. Here he talks about how the people you lead define your leadership.
Put Others’ Needs First
“Business is often about ego. If you started your own business from scratch, built it into something durable then you are likely to be a pretty resilient individual. The downside is that you become accustomed to doing everything yourself.”
“This can lead to a command and control model of leadership, and one which fails to fully engage employees.”
“The danger in failing to delegate is that your structure is unbalanced, and the people who work for you don’t feel sufficiently valued, or rewarded for their efforts”
A leader’s influence is defined by others. Therefore, sound, effective leadership must be about valuing others, and empowering them.
Valuing and Empowering
“You should appreciate and acknowledge what others around you are doing. This recognition is essential for effective leadership.”
“It comes down to empathy: leaders want recognition of their own, so they must recognise the efforts of others. They should be able to see, and gauge, the importance of making their employees feel valued.”
Allowing employees the space to make certain decisions on their own is also crucial to effective leadership.
“Empowering others to make decisions is a means of embedding trust in your work culture, and in spreading responsibility. This helps safeguard decision-making and is an essential step in expanding a business.”
Learning to Let Go
Recognising that some people specialise in certain tasks, and are therefore better equipped to carry them out helps build stronger business structures.
“It shouldn’t be all about you. If someone can do certain things better than you, it makes sense that they are given these tasks, and that you recognise their ability carry them out.”
“Allow people to play to their strengths and they will reward your trust with loyalty and productivity”
At the same time, leaders should strive to get to know the people they have working for them, to build solid relationships with them.
“The more you demonstrate you care about your employees, the more positive your culture can become,” Mark concludes. “Give them the credit and get them on board with your vision for success. That is how you earn the privilege of leadership.”
To discover how you could strengthen your leadership skills and qualities, through inspiring and motivating others, please visit markcushway.com.
