Great leaders aren’t always found with the title of CEO or manager on their business card.

Anyone can demonstrate leadership qualities.

It’s not about winning a popularity contest. You don’t have to be liked to be respected. It’s about serving and influencing others regardless of their job title in the effort to achieve a certain goal. More than anything, it’s about creating harmony in an environment where people want to work together. This is especially important in today’s flexible workplace, as good leadership is needed in many different environments – in-person, hybrid and virtual.

So, want to know how to be great leader?

Leadership can be a struggle to develop, as there are intrinsic qualities that are tough to cultivate.

But if you’re willing to face the challenge, and follow these guidelines, then you’ll be on the right path to becoming the leader your business needs to succeed, whether your employees are in office, completely online or somewhere in between.

1. Build trust

When it comes to leading a team, you have to be willing to go out on a limb for your employees to show you have their back. Exhibiting a genuine interest in your team’s wellbeing shows you care and are willing to protect them when necessary.

When you build trust, it demonstrates that your own interests and actions will never supersede the goals of the organization or your employees.

How can you build trust?

• Participate in day-to-day activities and make yourself available for questions. This is especially important for a remote workplace, where it’s not as easy to walk down the hall to ask something.
• Make a continuous effort to learn something about each of your employees.
• Be fair and consistent. Employees should be able to anticipate rewards or consequences based on your past actions.
• Involve them in important decisions to show you value their input.
• Recognize an employee’s contribution rather than taking credit for results.

2. Promote an open environment for two-way feedback

Part of the trust-building process is creating an environment where it’s safe to take risks and allows you and your employees to comfortably exchange candid, honest and direct feedback without the fear of being punished.

It’s important you provide ample channels for two-way communication between employees and managers, and also solicit and reward them for their ideas and contributions. This facilitates progress toward reaching organizational goals.

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