How to Become a Strong Leader in Your Workplace

1. Know and establish your leadership style.

There are different types of leadership styles. Examples of these are coaching, democratic, pacesetter, transformational, and visionary.

At this point, you should already know your leadership style. It doesn’t have to be only one; it can be a combination of two or more.

For instance, you can be democratic and establish yourself as a coach in the workplace at the same time. You can also combine a visionary and pacesetting approach as a leader.

If you haven’t determined your leadership style yet, consider your strengths and weaknesses. Once you know your strong points, use this guide to understand which one works for you and you think would be the most beneficial for your team or organization.

And once you have identified your leadership style, make sure you demonstrate and apply it in your workplace as often as you can.

2. Practice good communication skills.

To be known as a strong leader, you must have the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and honestly with everyone.

When you have excellent communication skills, you can set clear goals and expectations and avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, you will be able to share vital information and ask the right questions that let you gain valuable feedback from your colleagues.

Moreover, you need to know how to speak with your team so that you can inspire and motivate them continuously.

Additionally, you need to be a good listener. You have to take note of both verbal and non-verbal cues to understand fully what the other is saying.

When you have this trait, you demonstrate your empathy and show that you care for your colleagues. They will feel valued and be more engaged in their work, too.

3. Empower your colleagues.

Self-motivation is a vital leadership skill you need to have. However, if you are aiming to be a strong leader in your workplace, you also have to know how to motivate and empower your co-workers.

You can do this by encouraging your colleagues to speak up during meetings, participate in group activities, and take charge of projects they are confident they can handle.

If a teammate is nervous to talk during group discussions, speak with them in private before the meeting and ask them if you can share their suggestions or feedback with the team.

Additionally, always keep a positive attitude. Whether you or your colleague is in charge of a project, be confident and optimistic about the outcome and back them with hard work.

4. Be open to changes.

Strong leaders understand the importance of change and know that it is inevitable. Moreover, they are always ready to accept change and already have a plan in mind to deal with it.

Being open to changes reflects your preparedness when you face uncertainty and challenges.

Demonstrating this trait can also help your colleagues stay motivated and be optimistic even if there are significant changes happening at work.

Also, being open to changes enables you to help promote a sense of open culture in the company. This, in turn, can encourage innovation and new ideas among all employees, boosting their engagement and morale in the process.

5. Be a role model.

The best leaders exemplify the behaviors they want others to adopt. As such, you also have to start being a role model and mentor in your workplace.

Demonstrate the characteristics that can make your colleagues want to improve and be better. Examples of these are confidence, positivity, accountability, and honesty.

When you consistently exemplify these positive traits, your co-workers will admire you and try to emulate them.

These changes will benefit both the organization and the employees themselves significantly.