What makes a good business leader?
The answers vary widely … and our 53+ years of experience tells us it’s one skill above all others that the really good business leaders possess that mediocre ones lack … and it’s people skills.
We see business leaders with terrific commercial skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, organisational development skills, etc. … but many are hopeless at people skills. (and they know it, but don’t know what to do to improve them)
People skills are the pre-requisite for great leadership. If you don’t possess them, it’s time to start developing them.
Some tips:
- Establish a common purpose
When you can bring people together behind a common purpose and shared goals, they become more productive, more enthusiastic and passionate, and more likely to come up with creative and innovative ideas – all of which combine to make the environment you work in and the culture you do business in more effective and productive.
- Resolve conflicts and build trust
People will always have different points of view … challenge is healthy … so long as you make it respectful for everyone in the team. Without high levels of trust, no team can be as effective as it needs to be.
- Develop self-awareness
The best part of being really good at people skills is that it gives you the ability to look inward – to think deeply about your behaviour and consider how it aligns with your beliefs, principles and values.
Self-awareness is one of the most important qualities you can have as a leader. Ask people how they perceive you and how you can improve.
- Master communication
One of the most important elements of communication is hearing what isn’t being said.
The art of reading between the lines is essential for effective leaders. Seek to become a leader who listens before you speak, who tries to hear the opinions of others before you give your opinion, who will hear, in order to fully understand.
- Showcase dependability
People need to know they have someone they can count on.
Simply being well prepared and delivering work on time will go far in demonstrating your strong work ethic and commitment. In a V.U.C.A (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) business environment, colleagues, customers and management appreciate stability and absolute dependability shows the importance you place on your work and the many stakeholders upon which you rely.
- Express gratitude
There’s nothing complicated about it: people want and need to be appreciated. And it doesn’t have to be a big gesture.
Even the simple act of saying “thank you” can make people feel good about their hard work and long hours of sweat and toil. Showing appreciation lets others know you value them, their expertise and their work.
Managers need to be able to create truly engaged people and “unstoppable”/”bring it on” cultures.
Our research shows most managers can learn the people skills – and create the kind of performance improvements they’ve never seen before.
We, at Sewells, can … uniquely … help you do that for yourself and your business with our limited offer. Simply register for FREE Telephone Diagnostic Interviewsworth up to £5500*.
Once analysed, the strictly private and confidential diagnostic interview will provide you with priceless insights into what exactly has been holding you back from becoming a great leader.
There’s no risk, no obligation … just “24 carat gold” priceless information allowing you to take control and win all your people’s hearts and minds to the cause … and achieve breath-taking improvements in performance and results.
For example:
- As a result of our work with an organisation in the manufacturing industry, they saw a 12% increase in performance against target
- Another organisation in the transport sector saw their profits increase by 64% in just one year.
- Also, after working with an organisation in the oil and gas industry, we helped them accelerate performance and achieve their stretching growth plan of 5 years in less than 2 years
How does that sound?
Simply click here to request your diagnostic interviews.
*Terms & Conditions apply; FREE Telephone Diagnostic Interview. Allocation is based on a first come first served basis.
