8 Simple Hacks for Becoming a Great Leader

Want to become a better manager? Good news: you don’t have to completely reinvent yourself.

In fact, by taking advantage a few simple hacks, you can easily improve your leadership abilities — and command more respect and devotion from your staff as a result. With that in mind, let’s take a look at eight such hacks:

1. Get to know your employees

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Chances are you worked a job at some point where you wondered whether your boss even knew you existed. Such a configuration isn’t exactly the best way to motivate workers. Here’s a quick fix: walk around the office every now and again to talk with your staff about what’s going on in their lives. Get to know them. It makes a difference.

2. Host an email- or chat-based AMA session

Your subordinates undoubtedly have a lot of questions about you, your history, your vision for the company, etc. Let them ask away via a digital AMA (Ask Me Anything) session — and answer all of them to your best abilities.

3. Lead by example

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Nobody likes a “do as I say, not as I do” leader. If you expect your employees to work hard, then you’ve got to work harder. Your employees will emulate your behavior, so it’s wise to lead by example.

4. Ditch the office

Great leaders are approachable. By sitting amongst your employees, you’ll prove that you're not the typical out-of-touch leader. You'll be able to join in on everyday conversations, which should keep everyone on the same page and ensure all staff members become comfortable around you.

5. Admit when you are wrong

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We humans are fallible — all of us. Just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you’re immune from errors. When you make a mistake, admit you’re in the wrong. At the very least, it’s a way to get your staff to respect you more.

6. Keep your emotions in check

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that work can be stressful. Great leaders don’t let their own temperaments adversely affect the staff’s collective morale. They understand the importance of remaining calm, cool, and collected as often as they can. Taking deep breaths, exercising, and listening to music can help keep your emotions at bay.

7. Give credit where credit’s due

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It’s easy for leaders to take credit for each and every thing their workers produce. But constantly patting yourself on the back is an easy way to draw the ire of your staff. Instead, praise workers who go above and beyond — and do so very visibly. This will encourage other employees to excel, too.

8. Communicate often

The business world moves fast. A project or product that’s envisioned to be a game changer for the company today might be written off three months from now. Great leaders communicate clearly with their staffs — and often. That way, there aren’t any surprises, and everyone understands what’s going on. There are, of course, some things that are best left unsaid. But great leaders err on the side of sharing too much.

The above list is by no means all-inclusive, but maybe you have more hacks of your own to boost your leadership qualities. If that’s the case, share them in the comment section below!

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