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You know what's funny? Being a boss is very, very easy. You tell people what to do, how you expect it to be done, and when you expect it to be done. But being a leader? This is another matter. Leadership involves influence, mobilizing commitment, and the ability to paint a picture of the future that people want to be a part of.
It's about creating the right role models that make you grow into the kind of person others aspire to be around or work with. Here's how to do it.
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1. Vision, not just goals
When it comes to setting goals, anyone can do it, but when it comes to formulating the vision, it's a leader. Think of Steve Jobs and his vision for Apple: building products that are not only useful, but also aesthetically appealing. Make sure you and your team are on the same page. Remind them why they are doing what they are doing and what they are working towards. As people have bought in visionare more ready and willing to work hard and contribute towards its actualization.
2. Empathy over ego
True leaders understand that their own good and bad performance means the good and bad performance of the team they lead. Meet your team. Know their potential, their weaknesses and how they work. Take care of their lives. It doesn't just take technical brilliance to assemble Tesla and SpaceX; Elon Musk consulted with his teams, understood their difficulties and guided them.
3. Relentless curiosity
Leaders are lifelong learners. They won't be afraid to say, “I have no idea; let's figure it out.” Develop the habit of curiosity. It's important to read widely, ask questions, and make sure all your team members do the same. Jeff Bezos has often spoken about the concept of Day 1, in which he emphasizes the need to always remain curious, innovative and eager to learn.
4. Empowerment through faith
A boss asks, but a leader empowers. Believe in the abilities of the people you hire and let them perform at their best. Let them do things themselves, and correct them when they make mistakes. It is not about avoiding interference; it's about them taking responsibility. This builds trust and promotes a culture that supports creativity in the organization.
5. Authenticity is key
Be real. Being honest makes people trust and respect each other. Be willing to apologize, talk about your failures, and discuss successes with colleagues. The formation of an authentic following can only be initiated by one authentic leader. Virgin's Richard Branson is a great example here: As he is passionate and authentic about what his company does, people flock to the brand and Virgin has a great organizational culture.
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6. Continuous communication
Leaders communicate. A lot. And it's not just a case of saying; it is also a hearing case. Make sure your team is aware of what you are doing, get their feedback, and listen carefully to their complaints. Sharing information is a way to build trust and avoid situations where some people are left in the dark about certain issues. Try to remember how Satya Nadella changed the organizational culture of Microsoft by being more communicative and direct.
7. Lead by example
If you need your team to be committed, show them what commitment means. If you want them to be creative, then promote and recognize creativity. It is the behavior that defines the situation. For example, Elon Musk used to sleep on the Tesla production line to solve all the challenges. He is very devoted to his workand that's why his team is also so motivated and dedicated.
8. Coping with tribulation
Pressure refers to the force applied to an area per unit area, and in leadership, this can be considered that leaders do not give up easily. They may change direction, but they never stop. Consider the case of Netflix. It was originally a DVD rental company and has grown into a streaming empire, changing with the market. Remind your team that failure is not the end of the world, but part of achieving the goal.
9. Celebrate the small victories
Bigger wins are good, of course – but small, consistent wins help keep the momentum going. Celebrate them. Always celebrate your team and the achievements it has made, no matter how small these achievements may be. This keeps spirits high and enthusiasm intact.
10. Stay humble
Never let success go to your head. Remember that leadership is something special that someone is granted, not a guaranteed position throughout their career. Humble people they are easy to work with because they do not hinder cooperation between people. Some leaders, like Warren Buffet, have not deviated from this mindset and they always give credit to their teams.
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In short, leadership is more than just running an organization or a team. It's about developing an environment that is respectful, motivating and inspiring. Develop these habits and you'll not only improve your leadership skills, but your team as well. When you lead with vision, SENSITIVE and authenticity, you are not only building a business that will sustain you, but a business that transforms lives.