If you’ve recently been promoted to a leadership position or you’re preparing to transition into one in the near future — congratulations! This exciting role is certainly challenging, but it can also be immensely rewarding.
Now that you’re in charge of the team, you need to shift your mindset to that of a leader. Learn how to become the kind of person that people feel incredibly fortunate to work for.
4 Ways to Develop the Mindset of a Leader
Put Your Employees First
As a solo contributor, you’ve always come first, but now that you’re a leader, it’s time to put yourself last. Your employees are a direct reflection of you, so their successes are yours, as well as their failures. Instead of focusing on what’s best for your own career, you’re now tasked with helping them succeed. Of course, when you make your team the top priority, it will not go unnoticed and they’ll do everything in their power to give their all right back to you.
Be Accountable
Up until this point in your career, you’ve only been responsible for your own contributions. If a colleague failed to deliver, your reputation wasn’t tarnished in the least. However, now that you’re the boss, things have changed. You’re now responsible for everyone on your team, so if anyone falls short, it’s on you. It’s time to step up and accept full responsibility for all outcomes — both good and bad.
Earn the Respect of Your Team
As the leader, you’re in charge of the team, but if you develop an authoritarian attitude, they won’t respect you. Instead of firing out orders and talking down to people, listen to their opinions and be empathetic to their needs, so you become the kind of boss they want to work for. When your team respects you and values your opinion, they become motivated to do their very best work to please you.
Focus on the Future
Great leaders don’t just concentrate on what’s happening right now — they’re always at least a few steps ahead. Stop focusing your efforts solely on the present and envision the big picture. Your team is counting on you to know what’s next on the horizon, so they don’t miss out. This can involve anything from making sure they receive regular training opportunities, to guiding them towards new product innovations.
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