John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
Leadership is more than just effectively providing direction and managing conflict. Leaders inspire others to innovate, learn, and achieve their goals. Good leaders understand the need for professional growth and development as they seek to motivate others. They seek opportunities to improve their communication skills, conflict-resolution strategies, and decision-making techniques. However, adjusting your mindset is the only way to effectively impact your employees and help you turn into the leader you’ve dreamed of becoming. By shifting your mind to focus on the following 5 things, you’ll stand out as a leader and make a lasting impression on your team.
1. A Curious Mindset
Curiosity is often the beginning of innovation. A good leader does not have all the answers, they are interested in learning. They ask good questions, seek knowledge, and are open to feedback. Your employees may have insights and ideas you would never have considered. By asking the right questions and having a willingness to learn, you’ll lead your team further than you could on your own. Having a curious mindset also fosters collaboration and team-engagement, and creativity.
2. A Grateful Mindset
Gratefulness not only positively impacts your mental and physical health but also inspires others to practice gratefulness. A grateful mindset allows you to see the silver lining during failure and setbacks. Unavoidable challenges are tools we use to learn, grow, and improve. By expressing the things you are grateful for, you teach your team to do the same. Gratefulness allows you to celebrate both small and big victories and show appreciation for others. This kind of work environment pushes your employees to increase their performance and find more satisfaction in their job.
3. A Humble Mindset
Overconfidence and arrogance are two qualities many leaders think are necessary to get promoted or be respected by their employees. In reality, humility is more admirable and more effective. Humility allows you to be a curious leader who listens to—and respects—the feedback they seek from their employees. Humble leaders refuse to blame others when things go wrong and instead, take ownership of the team’s failures. Humility prevents you from making decisions that only affect your personal gain and allows you to see the success of your team as a higher priority. A humble leader is a leader many want to follow.
4. An Engaged Mindset
With an engaged mindset, leaders are willing to face challenges head-on. They tackle problems when they arise rather than avoid uncomfortable situations or conversations. This is one of the most effective ways to motivate your team. Lean in and show how engaged you are in the processes, the people, and the decisions your employees face. Show your willingness to engage in conversation, address issues as they arise, and work together to find a solution. By doing this, you’ll inspire your team to do the same thing. They too will be more willing to speak up and share their opinions.
5. A People-First Mindset
When you adopt a people-first mindset, you put your team before yourself. This is a mindset that your employees will notice, appreciate, and respect. When they feel valued, they will naturally work harder. You’ll see an increase in team engagement and collaboration, innovation, and production. Becoming a better leader starts with putting others first. Changing your mindset, especially when it comes to the people you’re leading, is the only way you’ll make a lasting impact both inside and outside the workplace.
If you’re ready to become a better leader and effectively inspire change in your organization, contact Front Line Leadership today. Our unique programs motivate managers, supervisors, and team leaders so that your company can thrive.