Everyone is a leader in their own life, whether you are being a leader at your job, school or friends. It's something that comes naturally to some and not so much to others. Now, some would say I have control issues (not proven) but I tend to take leadership roles in some things. l have been so blessed to be the President of Public Relations Student Society of America here at SFA, also I am the Vice-President of Driving Jacks. These tips will hopefully help those maybe new to leadership positions or just someone looking for some advice.
All of these tips have stemmed from my own experiences as a leader and what I have learned from them.
Tip 1: Find the right balance between approachability and being authoritative. It's important to come off approachable so then the members feel like they can come to you with whatever they are feeling. Being approachable also establishes this sense of trustworthiness. If the members can approach you and talk to you they feel like they can trust you so then you create a bigger bond. Being authoritative is one of the many traits all leaders have to posses. There comes a time, where as a leader, you will need to command a room and be taken seriously. You need to be able to demand respect and people don't respect push overs, but they also don't respect dictators. So try your best to find that perfect happy medium and you'll have the respect but also the members will trust you!
Tip 2: Listen. Listen. Listen. This is so important in being a good leader. No one likes the leaders who just think that they have a good idea and no one else does. Listen to the people around you, hear them out and what ideas they might have. This goes hand in hand with the last one. When they find the time to come and talk to you listen to what they have to say. Listening is one of the most important qualities in a leader. Listen to what other people have to say and give credit where it's due.
Tip 3: Be coherent. Make sure that everything you are telling your members is what you are actually doing. Before telling them anything talk it over for awhile make sure whatever it is, it's what you actually want to do. You will gain respect by your members if they see that everything you say is actually what you do.
Tip 4: Be transparent. Let the members in on just about everything your doing. I'm not saying every little thing you do you need to announce to everyone, and also not everyone needs to know everything. I know it sounds contradictory, but for the most part you as a leader need to let your team in on what's happening. Letting them know makes them feel important and that they serve a purpose (cause they do!) This goes with listening, you might be stuck on or need some new outlook on whatever it is. Your team is the best place to get a new, fresher outlook on things.
Tip 5: Give compliments. Most people are used to getting constructive criticism from their leader/boss whatever it might be, but what they aren't used to is getting told how great they are doing. I'm not saying giving a high five each time someone does their job, but a "thank you" or "great job" goes a long way! Remember to always be grateful and appreciative.
All of these tips have stemmed from my own experiences as a leader and what I have learned from them.
Tip 1: Find the right balance between approachability and being authoritative. It's important to come off approachable so then the members feel like they can come to you with whatever they are feeling. Being approachable also establishes this sense of trustworthiness. If the members can approach you and talk to you they feel like they can trust you so then you create a bigger bond. Being authoritative is one of the many traits all leaders have to posses. There comes a time, where as a leader, you will need to command a room and be taken seriously. You need to be able to demand respect and people don't respect push overs, but they also don't respect dictators. So try your best to find that perfect happy medium and you'll have the respect but also the members will trust you!
Tip 2: Listen. Listen. Listen. This is so important in being a good leader. No one likes the leaders who just think that they have a good idea and no one else does. Listen to the people around you, hear them out and what ideas they might have. This goes hand in hand with the last one. When they find the time to come and talk to you listen to what they have to say. Listening is one of the most important qualities in a leader. Listen to what other people have to say and give credit where it's due.
Tip 3: Be coherent. Make sure that everything you are telling your members is what you are actually doing. Before telling them anything talk it over for awhile make sure whatever it is, it's what you actually want to do. You will gain respect by your members if they see that everything you say is actually what you do.
Tip 4: Be transparent. Let the members in on just about everything your doing. I'm not saying every little thing you do you need to announce to everyone, and also not everyone needs to know everything. I know it sounds contradictory, but for the most part you as a leader need to let your team in on what's happening. Letting them know makes them feel important and that they serve a purpose (cause they do!) This goes with listening, you might be stuck on or need some new outlook on whatever it is. Your team is the best place to get a new, fresher outlook on things.
Tip 5: Give compliments. Most people are used to getting constructive criticism from their leader/boss whatever it might be, but what they aren't used to is getting told how great they are doing. I'm not saying giving a high five each time someone does their job, but a "thank you" or "great job" goes a long way! Remember to always be grateful and appreciative.