Maintain your warmth and sense of humor, especially during a crisis. You can maintain your professionalism and still adopt a warm, lighter style of interaction with people.
Tell people when they are blowing it. Be genuine about what you see happening. This builds transparency and helps others to open their eyes and achieve a new perspective.
Be the leader AND conduct yourself like a care partner. The most admired leaders are those who are genuinely humble.
Let your guard down and really be yourself. To build a cohesive team, enjoy a meal with others, relax, let your guard down, and be a regular human being. With a little practice, relating to your team in this way will become second nature.
Make bets on people you believe in. Constantly challenge individuals and help them to think of new ideas to grow the organization and themselves. A leader that believes in their team is able to stand behind them, even when it’s not entirely clear what their goals are.
Balance your care partner’s weaknesses. If you have care partners that are more task-driven, push them to see the bigger picture. Eventually, they will appreciate that it will help them be more effective and be an even stronger asset to the team.
Compliment your care partner’s strengths. Take the time to point out your care partners’ strengths. If they are not aware of them, this may help them see themselves in a new light.
Share the toughest, most agonizing lessons you’ve ever learned. Being vulnerable not only builds trust, but helps others make wise choices along the way.
Do the right thing. Show – don’t tell. Trust others to do the right thing.
Do what has to be done, no matter what. A great leader will find success.
