To uncover the secret art of followership, we sought insights from nine professionals, including a Head of Marketing and Sales and an HR Director. From incorporating fun into the workplace to being authentic and consistent, they shared their key strategies for leading effectively in any role. Dive into their wisdom to enhance your leadership skills.
- Incorporate Fun into the Workplace
- Lead With Empathy and Transparency
- Embrace Continuous Learning and Growth
- Empower and Develop Your Team
- Practice Active Listening
- Excite and Involve Your Team
- Foster Empowerment and Continuous Growth
- Demonstrate Integrity and Accountability
- Be Authentic and Consistent
Incorporate Fun into the Workplace
I believe that a happy team is a productive team. One strategy that I adhere to is incorporating elements of fun into the workplace. I try to create an environment where work doesn’t feel like a chore, but something my sales and marketing team looks forward to.
This could be as simple as organizing team-building activities, celebrating small wins, or even having a dedicated ‘fun hour’ every week. Not only does this boost morale, but it also encourages creativity and collaboration, which ultimately leads to better results.
Laia Quintana, Head of Marketing and Sales, TeamUp
Lead With Empathy and Transparency
I believe all successful leadership starts with empathy. An empathetic leader is one who will not try to manage teams or lead with fear or uncertainty. Instead, they are someone who can communicate well, is transparent, and ultimately is aware of the concerns and issues faced by the team.
Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll
Embrace Continuous Learning and Growth
A fundamental strategy for leading effectively in any role is to embrace continuous learning and personal growth. Leadership is an evolving journey, and the most successful leaders are those who never stop improving themselves.
This approach involves self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices. To implement this strategy, consider setting aside time for self-reflection and self-assessment.
Regularly seek feedback from peers and subordinates to identify areas for improvement. Engage in professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and leadership courses. Reading leadership literature and staying informed about the latest advancements in your field is also crucial.
Sarah Jeffries, Qualified Mental Health First Aid Trainer, First Aid Courses Manchester
Empower and Develop Your Team
I believe that empowering and developing your team is a vital aspect of effective leadership. Confident leaders encourage the personal and professional growth of their team.
If you don’t retain your talent, nurture them, and grow their capabilities, then you will lose them in a competitive global market where remote work has opened up the possibilities for career development.
To be an effective leader, you must provide training, mentorship, and coaching, especially in areas such as digital skills. Equally important is to upskill yourself! My advice would be to promote a culture of lifelong learning by encouraging certifications, attending conferences, and reading industry-related materials.
By focusing on both personal and professional development, you create a motivated, capable, and engaged team that contributes to your organization’s success.
Katharine Gallagher, Professional Growth Specialist of Education, Career, Recruitment, Productivity, Business, katharinegallagher.com
Practice Active Listening
Listen and communicate effectively: Listening is one of the most underrated aspects of effective leadership. Many leaders tend to focus more on speaking and giving orders, rather than listening to what their followers have to say.
Communication is a two-way street, and good leaders understand the importance of active listening. Active listening means paying attention to not just the words being said, but also the tone and body language of the speaker.
This allows leaders to truly understand their followers’ perspectives, concerns, and needs. When followers feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust their leader and be willing to follow their direction.
Keith Sant, Founder and CEO, Kind House Buyers
Excite and Involve Your Team
Getting people excited to do anything is an art form, but it is something I feel is a major part of being an effective leader. When you can get everyone on board and excited about meeting goals, and the process of it all, then you already know how to be a good leader.
Employees who are excited tend to be happier, which increases overall production and satisfaction within the company.
Involving employees every step of the way is one great way to increase excitement. Always ensure to have open communication and to actively listen to employee feedback, as this makes it easier for you to provide them with all necessary tools and resources.
Dr. Roshan Vara, Hair Transplant Surgeon and Co-Founder, The Treatment Rooms London
Foster Empowerment and Continuous Growth
Empowering my team stands as a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. In my role, I actively recognize and nurture their potential, providing ample opportunities for skill development and autonomy.
At our company, we’ve ingrained a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and growth. From my perspective, this approach not only benefits individuals in honing their skills but also propels the entire team and organization forward.
I’ve personally witnessed the transformative power of an empowered team, becoming a dynamic force driving innovation and excellence. Drawing from my experiences, investing in the growth of each team member is not just a professional commitment but a personal belief that significantly contributes to the collective success and vibrancy of our organization.
Peter Capp, CEO, Sodick
Demonstrate Integrity and Accountability
Demonstrate Integrity and Accountability. Demonstrate the behavior you wish to see in your team members. Be trustworthy by always telling the truth and sticking to your word.
Accept responsibility for your actions and view setbacks as learning experiences. Putting these traits on display helps build credibility and trust. Your team is more likely to follow your lead if you model accountability and dependability.
Mark McShane, Electrical Training Manager, Skills Training Group
Be Authentic and Consistent
I have learned that the secret art of followership is just being yourself. We see a lot of people on social media who want to be seen, as if a plethora of likes equates to arriving and being deemed a success story.
No, absolutely not. It takes boldness and being ridiculously in charge to charter new, unfamiliar waters. We are always trying to swim in the group-think water so we don’t cause a tidal wave and stick out.
Being yourself and being consistent will cause others to want to know more about you. They can relate and align to what you are doing. You are not trying to be fake, but a real person. Showing up, sharing real stories, raw emotions, highs, lows, and all the in-between.
I love real things, not Photoshop, so I have an unhealthy dose of reality. Take courageous and bold steps. Don’t try to be like others and amplify your unique gifts and talents. Once you do this, because it’s all legit, you can strive to do more.
Tanya Turner, MBA, SHRM-CP, PHR, HR Director, SALTO Systems, Inc
