Take a moment:
- Think about the worst boss you’ve ever had.
- Now, think about the best boss.
- What was the difference?
Many would say the difference was how the best boss applauded their efforts and ideas, while the bad boss was dismissive and negative.
Bosses are leaders in the company. Leaders influence team members by how they interact with them. This includes listening to new ideas, guiding them through challenges, and encouraging them to meet (and exceed) customer demands.
As a leader, you influence team members in their daily lives, both at work and after work hours. To be considered a “best boss,” take the time to be present and aware of your interactions with others … this will fundamentally influence your team’s results.
How to Create a Positive Influence with Your Team
- Learn from Mistakes. When you help your team learn from mistakes rather than berating them, your team’s confidence will build.
- Handle the Politics. Every company has internal politics. Protect your team members by stopping gossip, addressing complaints, and dealing with microaggressions. Remember to keep confidential issues confidential!
- Brag on Them! Share with others about the team’s results and individual accomplishments.
- Be Courteous. Say “Please” and “Thank you.” Ask, “Do you have 5 minutes to talk?”
- Ask Questions. Instead of assuming you already know it all, be open to learning something new!
- Get Both Sides of the Story. When a problem arises, get both sides by asking questions without sounding like an interrogator. Only then will you learn the truth.
- Build Confidence. Point out where progress is being made. Only focus on one challenge at a time and guide them through to achieve a positive solution.
- Provide Real Goals. Provide stretch goals instead of just providing tasks camouflaged as goals.
- Be Fair. Don’t have favorites when handing out assignments. Build on team members’ strengths; this builds a stronger, cohesive, and more agile team.
- Support Personal and Professional Goals. Be a resource and/or guide to help them achieve both.
- Be Ethical. Show a good work ethic and be the type of leader that is honest. Remember, your team members will mimic you!
- Think Bigger! Be open to thinking beyond the norm and welcome each team member’s ideas. Encourage all team members to take part when brainstorming.
- Trust and Value Them. Allow your team to do their work without being micro-managed. If problems arise (and they will), keep your door open. Trust and encourage them to work with and through others to create viable solutions.
©Jeannette Seibly 2021 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is The Leadership Results Coach. She has been an award-winning executive coach, management consultant, and keynote speaker for over 28 years. Her focus is getting leaders and their teams unstuck and able to achieve dynamic results. Contact Jeannette for a confidential conversation.
A note from Jeannette about being a leader who provides a positive influence. Providing a positive influence isn’t hard. But it does require being present and aware during ALL interactions. If your team has a challenge, encourage them to learn and work through the ups and downs. This positive influence builds trust and team confidence. Want to be a positive influence with your team but don’t know where to start? Contact me for a confidential conversation.