How to Be a Successful Leader: Things to Remember

[January 6, 2022]  Everyone wants to think of themselves as a leader, but often, those placed in leadership positions find themselves unexpectedly unprepared for the tasks demanded of them! In this short article, we’ll be going over the different types of leaders, how to maximize your leadership style and some easy-to-make mistakes that you’ll want to watch out for. Keep reading to promote your leadership skills to the next level!

Your Personal Relationship Reflects Your Leadership

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of leadership, but your current role in your relationship (even if everything’s just starting, and even when it takes its beginning on an online dating service, which performs a role of mediator) is actually a great reflection of your leadership! If you met your partner online, think back to your first interaction: were you the first one to send a message, or did you simply send them a “like” and hope for a message?

Men who take a more proactive approach to online dating tend to fall under the “autocratic” or “visionary” leadership categories, whereas a more passive approach might indicate the “coach” or “servant” leadership style. If you didn’t meet online, then think of your current situation. Are you the one who exclusively decides what to do, do you make decisions with your partner as a team, or do you rely on your partner to provide valuable input? Every answer is OK: they simply indicate what your leadership style is!

Understand Your Leadership Style

 Indeed.com breaks leadership down into ten different types: “coach, visionary, servant, autocratic, hands-off, democratic, pacesetter, transformational, transactional, and bureaucratic.” Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the most helpful information to learn is actually your weaknesses! By identifying your weaknesses, you can adequately prepare for any potential issues later on. If you’re the type of leader who focuses on doing what’s right for your team, then your team will likely love you, but your personal wellness may suffer as a result. On the other hand, if you prioritize completing the task at hand over morality, then you’ll likely complete projects effectively, but those under your leadership may come to resent you. These are just two examples: we recommend checking out Indeed’s post for a more in-depth breakdown!

There is a Difference Between a “Boss” and a “Leader”

When the average person hears the word “boss”, they’re likely thinking of an authoritarian figure who does a lot of “taking” but very little—if any—”giving”. In contrast, a “leader” still maintains a sense of authority and gives orders but also takes suggestions and values his team beyond their task-specific contributions. The word “leader” demands respect, whereas the term “boss” brings up a sense of resentment. It’s certainly possible to be a “boss” and still be loved by those under your leadership, but that’s the key: you need to lead them throughout the process, not simply expect them to complete it on their own! As long as you take the thoughts and opinions of those following you into account when making decisions, it’s very easy to be a “leader”!

Good Leader Habits

A good leader…

• “Shows” rather than “tells”
• Values the input of others
• Works to find a mutually-beneficial compromise in any situation
• Provides their followers with the tools needed for success
• Is capable of doing the work they’re asking of others