One of the biggest challenges leaders face is consistently doing what is RIGHT, versus doing what is EASY.
You want your team to trust and respect you…but that doesn’t mean they will always like you. Well, at least not all the time. It’s impossible to make everybody happy all the time. Every organization has goals to strive toward and limited resources to utilize. Leaders need to constantly monitor these things and make the best possible use of resources to navigate toward the goals. This means making tough decisions, and often having uncomfortable conversations.
The hard truth of leadership is that the decisions you make will ruffle some feathers from time to time; but the best way to both continue navigating toward the organizational goals AND maintain a positive culture is to do what is RIGHT, not just what is EASY.
Consistency. Transparency. Honesty. Integrity.
If you frame your leadership with these four guideposts, model them for your team and expect the same from them, you will build a positive culture of trust and respect.
Empathy. Kindness.
When you DO have to have those difficult conversations, lead them with empathy and end with kindness. Even if the situation makes you angry, leave that emotion off the table and let facts do that talking.
Reflection.
As a leader, hindsight is always 20/20 if you honestly reflect on decisions, conversations and actions. While you can and should do this on your own, it is also helpful to do so with someone else. A Leadership or Executive Coach can really help you dig deeper into your leadership style, identify blind spots and help you develop your consciousness as you lead your team and navigate toward your goals.