My goal in my workplace is to learn how to lead teams. I want to be a better leader. Studying leadership is amazing but leading people throws up unforeseen challenges yet to be theorised.
Leaders can use their inner awareness and humanity to build cohesive teams that deliver value. Teamwork is at the heart of every successful endeavour.
Building trust within your team will increase the communication and collaboration required to accomplish tasks. I have observed different kinds of leaders over the years but I choose to mirror the behaviours of the human-centric leaders I have worked with.
Some techniques they used to build trust in their project teams include openness, creating a safe space for psychological safety, encouraging people to speak up, appreciating everyone’s contributions, valuing each person’s input, communicating, sharing information, and recognising and rewarding excellence.
As a leader, you want your team to trust and respect you. This means you must give the energy you want to receive. There’s a thin line between an authoritarian and a human-centred leader.
The paradox is that you must be forceful enough to get the job done while being empathetic enough to make each person feel appreciated and valued. You have to be rigid and flexible and hard and soft. It is a delicate balancing act.
A great leader is a master of paradox. They know when and how to switch on and off. They know when and how to push team members to their limits without over-stretching them. They know how to bring out the best in people.
I want to be a leader again. I have to learn how to lead myself. I have to face my weaknesses and consolidate my strengths. I have to know myself.
