5 Key Practices That Make A Better Leader

Business – 27 April 2016

Not all leaders are created equal. Some are extroverts with a commanding presence, others are introverts that radiate quiet power and then there are those who switch between the two depending on the situation. No matter what their personality or leadership style, all share a few key practices that place them a cut above the rest of the leadership pack.

These practices do not just contribute to a leader’s professional development and achievement but also to his or her life and social skills. woman with drive has picked five that define leaders as more than their position and job description.

They Create A Safe Space For Other Voices

Many leaders unintentionally intimidate their colleagues with their title and this can lead to a less than ideal setting for group discussions where most people will defer to the person sitting at the head of the table. This is a huge shame as many good ideas and opinions will be left unsaid and wasted. Good leaders know how to downplay and shift the power from themselves to those in the room. Create a safe space for others to speak up with confidence simply by using people’s names and asking them for their opinion rather than for the “right answer”.

Also read: 5 Unique Leadership Lessons From General Electric’s First Female Vice Chair

They Question The Expert

A leader’s job is to hire and manage a group of experts rather than be the singular expert in the business. But that does not mean blindly following an expert’s advice or opinions. Experts are often too close to a situation to evaluate it objectively and could miss certain details or refuse to deviate from the tried and tested. So when you receive advice that shoots down what seems like a strong idea, question the truth of that advice and whether the person giving it is right or letting his or her expertise get in the way of a good idea.

Also read: Jodie Fox: Don’t Let Expertise Get In The Way Of A Good Idea

They Know How To Make Decisions

Good leaders know that in order to make things happen, they either have to empower others to make decisions or make quick decisions themselves. Their decision-making process boils down to one core objective – moving the situation forward. Rather than waste time on trivial details or ruminate over past decisions, focus on making decisions based on the information you have at hand and then running with it.

Also read: How To Make Better Decisions Faster

They Keep A Sacred Hour

Every hour in a leader’s life is precious but at least one of it should be sacred. Block off this hour at the same time each week or each day for planning and reflection. Leave your office if necessary and turn email notifications off on your phone. Knowing that you do not have to attend to any task for the next 60 minutes will help your mind relax and be open to new ideas. A set time will also let others know when your time is off limits. Do not be surprised to find that your sacred hour will do just as much for you as it will for your business.

Also read: Why Mindfulness Matters In Your Life

They Make Investments Outside Work

Being a leader is just one of the many roles that women hold. We are often also girlfriends, wives, mothers and sisters but we tend to forget these other roles in the rush of work life. Yet pushing aside these other relationships could be making us a less effective leader as we are denying ourselves sources of support and the opportunity to enhance our people skills by connecting with those outside our professional circle. But be careful to not spread yourself too thin by trying to be all things to everyone. Prioritise the most valuable people in your life and spend time on nurturing those relationships.