Seven Ways to Become a Better Leader
Seven ways to become a better leader
To become a better leader, you need to:
- Set out a clear vision for a better future.
- Become 100% committed to that vision.
- Communicate the vision with clarity and certainty.
- Build practical plans capable of achieving the vision.
- Create and sustain an optimistic attitude.
- Work to create a co-operative atmosphere within the team.
- Role model the standards you want to see in others.
1. Set out a clear vision for a better future.
Leaders all have a vision. That is the thing that makes them a leader. If you want to improve your leadership quality, then you need to know to WHERE you want to lead the team. Leadership is about leading people towards a vision.
Your first task it to become clear on your vision for a better future. What is it that you want to achieve? Once you know to what, or to where, you want to lead the team, then you have laid the foundation of your leadership.
2. Become 100% committed to that vision.
You must be 100% committed to the vision. Half-hearted leadership is no good. You need to find in yourself the quality of TOTAL COMMITMENT. Unless you are committed, nobody will follow you. If you display total commitment, you will soon pick up followers.
3. Communicate with clarity and a sense of certainty.
You need to communicate your vision with clarity and certainty. Most great leaders are also terrific communicators. Study English. Study rhetoric. Study grammar. Study famous speeches from the past. Listen to the greats and figure out what they are doing that makes them sound so great. Then, when you think you know the secrets of the great orators, use your knowledge and apply the language of a leader.
4. Build practical plans that seem capable of achieving the vision.
A vision is not a plan. You need to build plans that are capable of achieving the vision. What are the steps that will take you to the vision? You need to be a good planner.
5. Creating and sustaining an optimistic attitude.
On the way to your goal you will suffer setbacks and defeats. It is important to remain positive whilst you plough your way through temporary defeats and setbacks. Leaders are RESILIENT. You need to be resilient and impervious to self-doubt and fear of failure.
6. Work to create a cooperative atmosphere within the team.
Abraham Lincoln said "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Leaders must therefore strive to keep unity within the team. The leader should study the art of conflict management and negotiation. Since you need to maintain a coherent and unified system within the team, leaders should be good team builders.
7. Role model the attributes you want to see in others.
In order to lead, leaders should be role models. If you want to be a leader, you should decide what qualities you want the members of the team to possess and then ROLE MODEL those attributes.
If you want people to be punctual, then you must be punctual.
If you want people to be polite, then you must be polite.
You get the idea.
Leaders are role models.
Definition: leadership vision
Leadership vision is a business principle. It is a short, clear picture of a better future that guides every team move. The leader holds deep commitment to it and speaks it in words the team can grasp. When any of these parts is missing, the statement is not a true vision.
Show CG4D Definition
- Shows a clear picture of a better future
- Gives one direction for every team action
- Demands total commitment from the leader
- Is shared in simple words the team understands
Article Summary
Strong leaders share one pattern: they paint a clear picture of a better future, give all their energy to it, speak it with bold words, map the way, stay upbeat when storms hit, pull the team together and live the standards they expect; follow these seven acts and you raise output, trust and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is a leadership vision and why does it matter?
How can I show total commitment to my vision?
Why are good communication skills vital for a better leader?
What turns a clear vision into a practical plan?
How do I keep a positive attitude after setbacks?
What actions build a cooperative team atmosphere?
Why must a leader act as a role model?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup’s 2023 Global Workplace study states that only 23% of staff feel engaged, yet teams with engaged leaders record 18% higher output. LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report finds that firms that fund leadership training see income grow 20% faster than those that do not.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
How Can We Improve Leadership?
Improve leadership fast with seven key skills: clear vision, sharp communication, team building, conflict resolution, motivation and role-model action.
Read Article > -
Top Management Techniques to Learn
Discover proven management techniques that replace trial and error. Boost goal setting, communication, time planning and decisions with leadership training.
Read Article > -
Leadership skills
Discover how leadership skills grow from study, smart planning and daily practice. Learn vision, planning and inspiring others on our leadership training course
Read Article > -
How to Manage a Crisis
Learn how to manage a crisis with an urgency-importance grid. Rank tasks by value and deadline, stay calm under pressure and use our free prioritisation app.
Read Article > -
What New Team Leaders Should Do First
New team leader tips: study the setup, clarify goals, fit into the culture and drive ongoing improvement to win trust and deliver early success from day one.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 2 days, London - Central, places available