Does your team follow you because they want to – or because they have to?

It’s an important question. Leaders who truly inspire others in the workplace create a positive cycle of success and high performance in which people:

• exert higher levels of discretionary effort;
• feel empowered to do their jobs to the best of their abilities;
• are invested in organizational outcomes;
• remain loyal, even when times are tough.

But managers who lead using fear tactics, micromanagement or manipulation? Although they may “get the job done,” their organizations typically pay a high price in terms of turnover, productivity and engagement.

Here’s how to be a leader your team chooses to follow:

Give your team what they expect.

This Forbes article outlines seven things employees expect from their leadership. Here are the top four:

• Specificity. Be direct and explain what you want in plain language.
• Empowerment. Give employees the tools and freedom to make decisions and learn from failures.
• Vulnerability. Don’t pretend you have all the answers; ask for help when and where you need it.
• Honesty. Tell the whole truth – even when it’s tough. Rose-colored glasses undermine your ability to lead effectively. When things get difficult, be willing to look at cold, hard truths (about yourself, your team, your products/services and your competition). Only by acknowledging reality can you begin to change it for the better.

Improve your “executive presence.”

Being perceived as a leader – someone who has the ability to command a room and project gravitas – is essential to success in an executive role. Become a leader people truly want to follow by displaying confidence in these three components of “executive presence“:

• Communication style. Speak with passion and energy, using decisive and clear language.
• Nonverbal cues. Stand tall and make appropriate eye contact when addressing your team. If you’re sitting, place your elbows on the table and lean slightly forward when speaking.
• Appearance. Although less important, employees and peers still expect executives to dress appropriately for the role. Unkempt attire or provocative clothing undercuts executive presence.

Take a page from LeBron’s book.

In “The Leadership Secrets of LeBron James,” we shared four essential components of LeBron James’ success (which you can incorporate into your own approach to leadership):

• He acknowledges his failures.
• He continually pushes himself to achieve higher levels of performance – even though he’s at the top of his sport.
• He sets realistic expectations, although he always aims high.
• He brings out the best in his teammates, much as a smart business leader adapts his management style to match each employee’s personality.

Need team players to help execute your vision?

Exact Staff is here for you. With offices nationwide, and a full complement of staffing and placement services, we can connect you with high performers to strengthen your core team. Improve performance. And execute your vision in 2017.

What can we do for you? Contact a staffing expert at your local Exact Staff office today.