This is a guest post by Dennis Phoenix. He is a human resource specialist and writer. He writes on topics including business relationships, productivity, employee satisfaction, and corporate awards. He spends his weekends mountain biking and photographing nature. His twitter handle is @DennisPhoenix1.
Having the right attitude is often the lynchpin to a successful outcome. As history has shown, leaders with a can-do attitude have often positively impacted those around them. If you have the responsibility of a leadership position in business, whether as an owner or manager, it is critical for you to develop a set of attitudes that will guide your dealings with those entrusted to you.
Fortunately, these attitudes have been around as long as man has. They reflect simple and effective principals that have stood the test of time. Perhaps they are best described by those that have been this way before. Listen to the following quotes of successful individuals and see if the principals they lived by could make you a more effective leader.
Help others to succeed
The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. —Harvey Firestone
One of the primary roles of a leader is often misunderstood. In fact, many in leadership positions work in opposition against this principal. Instead of progressively working to build up the skill sets of those they manage, some leaders inadvertently hinder the development of their employees. Leaders should always look to hone the skills of those they supervise.
Money and time spent training their employees is never wasted. Not only will your employees become more effective in the workplace, they will also be willing and able to tackle any challenges thrown their way.
Show humility
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. —Lao Tzu
Humility and leadership may seemingly belong at opposite ends of the spectrum, but they belong hand in hand. To many, humility equates with weakness. But that is not the case. Humility is the outward manifestation of a strong, well balanced character.
Contrary to many believe, good guys don’t come in last. Leaders that exhibit humility are truly self-confident. In turn, they often attract better talent and earn more loyalty from those they work with.
Reward Accomplishment
A ruler should be slow to punish and swift to reward. —Ovid
If you set goals and challenge your employees you should reward their success. Be as creative as you can when rewarding individuals or the whole team. But even certificates or acrylic awards are well received when given with a sincere thank you. Offering rewards publically is a great way to boost overall team morale, as everyone gets a boost from the success of another.
Be the example
People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. —John Maxwell
Your attitudes will be reflected by your employees. Do you show enthusiasm for the work you do? Do you enjoy your work? Your employees will look to you as an example. Be available to your employees and treat them with respect and courtesy.
Make sure your door is always open. Encourage open communication and creativity. Set goals for yourself and let your team know about them. Above all, stay positive.
These are all great tips! The best leaders bring about growth and positive change into the people around them.