Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of teams, from the Royal Navy to the boardroom. The best weren’t always the smartest, the biggest or the best resourced. What set them apart was their willingness to keep learning. They created an environment where people shared ideas, solved problems together and looked for ways to improve every day. If you want your team to perform at its best, these are four habits worth developing.
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Make curiosity contagious.
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers. Ask questions, encourage different viewpoints and be willing to admit when you don’t know. Curiosity spreads, and so does learning.
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Talk about what’s getting in the way.
Don’t just ask people how a project is going. Ask them what’s slowing them down. Obstacles are easier to solve when they’re shared, not hidden.
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Treat feedback as fuel, not criticism.
The best feedback helps people improve, not defend themselves. Make it timely, specific and supportive. Mistakes are data, not disasters.
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Lead from the front.
Great leaders don’t disappear after setting the direction. They stay connected, roll up their sleeves when needed and show that no task is beneath them. People rarely give more than the example set by their leader.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.
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