Understanding how you go about leading people can be very complicated. You should know the basic qualities any leader must possess and know how to carry out your objectives with respect. You need to know what to do, but also why.
Always try to simplify things when leading others. Focus on things that are most important. Once you have done that, it is time to set priorities. The work needs to be as simplified as possible. Leave yourself time to visualize and consider your options, too.
Your employees are not mind readers. Explain exactly how you need a task done, when it must be done, and how you would like it done. Make yourself available for questions. That way, if someone misunderstands, they feel comfortable asking you for clarification.
Look for talent in your team. It should be easy to choose who can benefit you and in what way. The same is true of bringing on contractors, too.
When you’re dealing with customers or your employees you have to be ethical at all times. Ethics is a major part in any successful business. When people know that you always act in their best interests, they remain loyal to you. Ensure rules are followed by developing morals within your company.
Don’t be dishonest or devious. You need to follow through with promises in order to garner trust. If your claim is that your team provides the best customer service, ensure your team knows how to do that.
Make your goals worthy but also realistic. Doing so can set your team on the road to failure. Never attaining your set goals is not a sign of an effective leader.
Build your team with diversity in mind. Diversity in your team can give you wider perspectives. Don’t hire a bunch of people who are exactly like you. This stifles creativity. It might also amplify the weaknesses you have since others will have the same ones.
Don’t make decisions that undermine your leadership. If you make a mistake, learn from it and improve your strategies so you do not make the same mistake again. Use the advice you’ve just been given. Leadership is a belief in your abilities and exhibiting the confidence to use those abilities to promote, teach and help.
There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in Seattle, Washington where you can make the most impact on children in the community.