How to Be a Great Leader in the Workplace

1. Lead by Example

I can't say it enough: lead by example! Great leaders model the behavior they expect from others. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, emphasises direct communication and accountability. In his annual letter to shareholders, he criticised corporate jargon and encouraged employees to voice concerns openly during meetings rather than afterward. He believes leadership should challenge the status quo and avoid outsourcing responsibilities that belong internally.

2. Empower Through Trust

Effective leadership involves empowering team members rather than micromanaging them. Ricardo Semler, former CEO of Semco, implemented a radical management style that gave employees autonomy over their work. He endorsed initiatives like the Nucleus of Technological Innovation, allowing engineers to develop new business lines, which led to significant growth for the company.

3. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions is crucial for leadership. Never underestimate the value of emotional intelligence. Jackie Insinger, CEO of Spark Brilliance, advocates for integrating positive psychology into leadership. She emphasises the 'platinum rule'—treating others the way they wish to be treated—and highlights the importance of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.

4. Share a Clear Vision

Leaders must articulate a clear and compelling vision. Attiq Qureshi, Chief Digital Information Officer at Manchester United Football Club, believes in setting unambiguous goals and providing support to help staff achieve them. He emphasises the importance of prioritisation and ensuring everyone focuses on what truly matters. So, ensure your team knows what truly matters to you and the business.

5. RecogniSe and Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledging team members' contributions boosts morale and motivation. The 'Encourage the Heart' practice from Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Challenge focuses on sincere recognition of employee successes. Celebrating achievements fosters a positive work environment and encourages continued excellence.

6. Be Authentic and Inclusive

Authenticity and inclusivity are vital for effective leadership. Claudia Brind-Woody, a senior executive at IBM, chose to be open about sexuality early in her career, setting a precedent for inclusivity in leadership. She has used her platform to advocate for workplace equality and has led initiatives to ensure protections and benefits for employees worldwide. Authenticity shouldn't be an excuse for rigidity, there is a time and place for everything.

7. Commit to Continuous Learning

Great leaders are lifelong learners. They seek feedback, embrace challenges, and adapt to change. Developing emotional intelligence, staying adaptable, and encouraging collaboration are key components of continuous growth.

In summary, great leadership is about setting the standard, empowering others, communicating effectively, recognising achievements, being authentic, and continuously evolving. By embodying these principles, leaders can create a positive and productive workplace environment.