A team can be many things; it can be your employees, it can be the sports team that you coach, or even be your family and group of friends. Being a good leader is all about inspiring confidence in that team, whoever they are and whatever you want them to do for you. What are the best ways to inspire confidence in your team, and become a successful leader?
Be Calm
Keeping cool, calm, and collected in a challenging situation, no matter what chaos is going on around you, is the sign of a good leader. By staying calm, the rest of the team will mirror you, and there is a huge amount of value in this. It keeps emotions in check for one thing, and it stops mistakes from occurring too. Keeping calm when deadlines change or a customer needs something urgently or if someone is injured on the field will allow for a new plan to be made and followed, saving time and stress all around.
Be Decisive
A leader who can’t make up their mind or who always asks someone else to choose for them is not a good leader, and certainly isn’t one who will inspire confidence. A good leader should be able to make a decision, even when the choice is a hard one. Of course, a good leader will also ask the advice of their team, but they won’t rely on it. They won’t take too long thinking up an answer either – although they will think carefully. However, that same leader won’t bulldoze their way through decision making and have a ‘my way or the highway’ kind of attitude either. It’s a fine balance to achieve, but one that a good leader, keen to inspire confidence, will be able to manage.
Be One of the Team
Mucking in and being one of the team is something hugely important when it comes to showing yourself to be a good, inspiring leader. If you are asking someone you coach or employ to do something, then you should be prepared to do it yourself too. Wearing the same uniform can help with this idea of getting involved, and embroidered hats are a great way to show that everyone is part of the same time. Having custom hats made for your team, whether that’s a baseball cap, beanie, or even a Santa hat for Christmas time, will boost everyone’s mood. You can also get personalized shirts, jackets, and bags to complete the uniform look.
Be Respectful
Being a good boss and an inspiring leader means thinking of your team and being respectful of their needs. Some managers believe that simply shouting long and hard and being tough is the way to lead, but that will only build resentment, and productivity will fall. Take the time to listen to what your team are saying, and work with them to ensure a happier, healthier working or game environment, and you’ll be respected in return.
