It seems that just about anyone can be given the title of ‘leader’ these days, doesn’t it? But you know what I say about leadership being an attitude, not a title? It’s all too true. Great leaders are not just leaders because of their position, but because of their attitude. These leaders also have other things in common; they do these 7 things, and if you do them too, you can be a great leader as well:
Challenge your team to get creative
Leaders who support their teams in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity, are great leaders.
They encourage their teams to try new solutions and ideas, while providing the support to overcome any obstacles in their way. Knowing they have someone behind them empowers teams to try different things.
Be the leader and team member you want to see
Great leaders understand that they are role models to those around them, and act accordingly.
This has a large amount of influence on staff; they almost always respect a leader that doesn’t follow the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ school of thought, and try harder to model those same behaviours.
The three most important ways to lead people are:… by example… by example… by example.” ~ Albert Schweitzer
Show your enthusiasm
Leaders who are passionate about their work spread that enthusiasm to their team. They work harder, and so does the group. They get excited about the achievements of those around them, not just their own.
Just remember that you don’t have to go overboard, or you’ll come off non-genuine and have the opposite effect.
Grab my books Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! Grab them HERE.
Be optimistic, and share your positivity
This doesn’t mean you have to be unrealistically happy all the time, it just means that a positive attitude will help carry you and your team through the harder times. People are inspired and motivated by positivity; great leaders are optimistic even when things are tough.
Promote team involvement
Team members who are encouraged by their leaders to have a say and put forward their ideas feel respected and valued. Great leaders know that, while they make the final call, their team’s input can be invaluable.
Learn more about my Team and Leadership Workshops HERE
Recognise and reward your team
Great leaders understand the power of recognition. Teams who have their efforts recognised and rewarded feel valued; when they know their hard work is appreciated, they are happier and their performance improves.
Never stop looking for new things to try
Feedback from your team about your leadership will help you determine what’s been effective, and what can be worked on. Use the feedback to inspire you when searching for other ways to recognise and encourage your team.
These are just 7 of the ways you can be a great leader. Which of these points do you think you’re achieving, and which are you going to work on? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
About Sonia
Sonia McDonald believes we should lead with kindness, from the heart, doing rather than telling and is known for her mantra ‘Just lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her one on one practical coaching, leadership training for teams and organisations encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped hundreds of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.
For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of HR. She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader.
Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is recognised as a LinkedIn influencer and has become an in-demand keynote speaker, starts important conversations.
She is an award-winning published author and writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, developing work-life balance, championing the up and coming leaders of tomorrow and advocating for women in business and male-dominated industries.
Keynote Topics
Sonia will give you peace of mind when booking a speaker. She is a proven world-class professional speaker with the skills to “rock an audience”. Her energy, empathy, kindness, sensitivity, and humour will enhance any event she appears.
1. Leadership Attitude
2. Just Rock It
3. Leadership for Small Business
4. Leading the Next Generations
5. Courageous Leadership
6. Future Leaders of Leadership
7. New Kindness of Leadership
Phone 1300 719 665 or +61 424 447 616
