Five ways to become a better leader
How you can improve your leadership skills in a few easy steps
Steven John Ndikum
Staff Writer
At some point in our life, we want to be the best version of ourselves. Leadership and growth are things which come with experience and positive attitude. It is a zone many people avoid, while others feel comfortable joining. Being a leader can be one of the most awesome decisions you can make. The flames to bring change keeps burning in you, and I call that leadership. Moreover, every president or CEO began as a leader in a certain area of the community, be it a school club or a fraternity. The goal is leaving a legacy for generation to tell, and your knowledge was used for sustainability and career growth. Below are some suggestions on becoming a leader.
1. Listen more and speak less
Being a good listener can open our subconscious to think more critically and say what is needed at that time frame. You may be surprised how Barack Obama made it as president. He is a critical listener and pays attention to details. Being a good listener and hearing the thoughts and inspirations of others can help you, even when you’re the one in charge. Every leader learns every day, and doesn’t know everything.
2. Consensus is good but direction and decisiveness create action
Leading by consensus will rally a team around a common goal, but according to Jennifer Lum, Human Resource Director of ENEO Cameroon, that alone is not enough to be a leader and create change. “Consensus is good, but direction and decisiveness create action,” she emphasized. “You must guide consensus.”
3. Anyone can identify a problem; A leader is part of the solution
When people are complaining, leaders think of a solution. What is the way forward? Just thinking that way can put you in the position of leading. We can build our minds to not see problems but to see solutions to the problems. The focus and the goal are bringing a change to the abnormalities. Where do I find myself? How is the interaction among my family members? Do I need to bring change?
4. Apologize publicly and gloat privately
True leaders don’t just praise publicly and criticize privately. They are also humble enough to apologize publicly and gloat privately. Be ready to say you sorry like you were sipping a cup of tea. Humility is the key to be there to stand for people. You don’t see leaders bragging about their success, they talk about their team and their team’s contributions. And if they feel good about themselves, they do it at home or with a close friend but not publicly. A leader will apologize and take accountability their actions.
5. Give the hard message
It is very easy to praise somebody. It is easy to give somebody a raise or a good review. It can be much harder, however, to have the tough conversations. At college, maintaining a conversation often come with diligence and how well we can communicate our thoughts without hurting. At the end of the day, we have to say how view things not only to express ourselves but to protect our sanity.
Feature photo by Nidia Mariscal | MSU Reporter.