You could fill whole books on what makes a "successful" leader (and they have), but more often than not, effective leadership can come down to the small, daily habits that set leaders apart from the rest. Actions speak louder than words and if you're setting the daily example others need to follow, they need to be seen, heard and felt by everyone.
These are called "micro-habits. They are not quirks. They're the daily decision-making styles people associate your character with. The behaviors and characteristics that don't need directives and appear second-nature.
In the office, they have an outsized influence on your workplace culture especially if it's coming from leadership. Whether positively or not, the behavior of leaders sets the standard for the rest of the workplace. So mind the habits you exhibit.
Here are four winning habits every leader should practice to sharpen their skills and inspire their team.
There's one thing that sets leaders apart from the rest. It's not experience or charisma, but ownership. The initiative to take control of any given situation under their purview regardless of whether it was personally beneficial to them.
A good sense of accountability is why we "call the manager" when we're dissatisfied with a particular product or service. We want someone to own the mess and be accountable for a solution. It's one of the most fundamental principles of leadership and something that needs to be visible from you on a daily basis.
From minor to major challenges, own the challenges of their workplace.
Education doesn't stop because there's always something new to learn. Depending on how receptible you are to it. And the best leaders are always open to new learning opportunities.
Whether it's coming from senior or junior personnel, always lend a willing ear to creative input. Great ideas don't really abide by the office hierarchy.
Traditionally, a majority of corporate leaders have been less than open-minded when it comes to being taught by their peers or subordinates because they associate it with a degree of vulnerability unbecoming of their position; 'shouldn't the person in charge know everything, after all?'.
This is an outmoded way of thinking that ignores the value of a more collaborative workplace culture in an era where genius isn't always found in the most senior positions.
This one feels a like a no-brainer, but let's define "optimistic" here.
Leaders aren't expected to maintain a constantly cheery attitude throughout the day and force the office to do the same. That's not where the value of optimism comes from. That's simply "false positivity".
Productive optimism is anchored in realism because it is hopeful and honest. Leaders must learn how to glean the silver lining out of an situation and emphasize it to keep up morale. If there is none, instead of trying to conjure one out of thin air, truthfully acknowledge the challenges ahead of you, develop reliable solutions to power through and encourage optimism in the team's ability to persevere.
Naivete doesn't inspire confidence, but hope does.
Don't be stingy with the praise. Recognizing someone's achievements, however mundane, goes a long way to sustaining their motivation.
Pay close attention to your team and you'll definitely find people going beyond the call of duty, picking up after others, working overtime and assuming responsibilities outsider their station. It is a privilege to have such talent and determination in your organization. Give them the recognition they deserve an they'll help you excel even further.
There's power to a sincere appreciation of talent that can light a fire under a person. Why withhold it?
These are just a few of the micro habits every leader should adopt and encourage in their workplace environment. A culture of determination and ambitious innovation is built on the foundation of small, but excellent habits that eventually become part of your organization's whole ethos.
It all begins with the examples that your leaders set.
Thank you for reading our piece. We hope it was useful for you. If you're interested in upskilling yourself or your team, click on any of the recommended courses below for more information.
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