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The Time Colorado Turned to Leadership Development Programs for Answers
from: ProgressiveSelf.comWhen employees do not seem to be performing the way they used to be and the way they are expected to, Colorado turned to leadership development programs to solve the problem.
This is because they believe that poor performance is not the result of indolence among employee. It is also not the effect of compensation that they receive. It is because effective leaders are becoming more and more extinct.
Leaders can learn a lot from those who have been in the field for a long time. Take a look at the things that true leaders do and do not do. They should be able to add spice to your leadership.
1. Not taking advantage of power.
Majority of leaders tend to abuse the power that they have over others. Being a leader does not mean that what you say is right all the time. There will always be somebody who wants to disagree but do no have the guts to.
Try explaining instead of telling. By doing this, you are making yourself open for comments and suggestions that your group may have.
2. Listen all the time.
People experience problems. Even your own. Sometimes it is best for those problems to be expressed in the open rather than affect the work environment. This is the same case if the problem is directly related to work.
In some stage, your people may start telling you their problems. But then, you may be too busy or preoccupied to consider what they were. You will realize that it will be too late to think up solutions to fix those problems.
Devote some of your time to your people and listen to what they have to say. This is part of the learning process for them and for you. Together you can think of ways to eliminate things that are bothering them.
3. Be more constructive.
The best leaders are those that know the right words to say. Even if the essence behind is harsh, they can turn them into constructive words to caution the hard truth. By doing so, you will be heard instead of ignored.
The saying that words can hurt more than swords and weapons is true. If you are the type who is sensitive of the effects your words may bring, you will think long and hard before you even open your mouth.
4. Success is part of the whole.
Your team should be successful for you to also be. You see that you have done a good job once you see the achievements of your whole team. Your primary purpose is to ensure that your team will turn out the best.
Guide them in all their endeavors. Support not only their triumphs but also their downfalls. Be positive about things and share with them the same concept.
5. Lighten up.
Nobody likes a dull work environment. A fun workplace is a productive workplace. You need to lighten up once in awhile and encourage others to do the same. This will serve as a refreshing change from the stressful workload that your people are carrying.
Do not be afraid to show them the humorous side of you. This does not make you a lesser human. It will show that you are also like them and needs to have fun from time to time. Just make sure that you do this at appropriate times. You surely do not want to give them the wrong idea.
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