How to Become a Better Leader

Last Updated: October 1, 2021 References

What makes a good leader? A good leader takes responsibility for every wrong and right choice they make. A good leader has personality, courage, clear vision with ambition to succeed. A good leader encourages the team to perform to their optimum all the time and drives organisational success. Read on for some actionable steps to become a better leader.

Method 1

Method 1 of 10:
Use clear communication.

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Know that communication is key.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021} Clear communication is an important part of any successful relationship, and the relationship between leader and team member is no different. Express your ideas clearly, making sure employees understand what you’re asking of them. Create a conversation-friendly environment, and give employees the freedom to express their thoughts and concerns. Team members are more willing to trust a leader with whom they are able to openly communicate.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 10:
Look into the future.

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Express your exceptional and positive vision for the future. A leader with a plan is the easiest leader to follow. Once aware of the team’s goal, each member will strive to do his/her part to aid in the completion of the objective, thus ensuring not only the motivation of each individual, but the unification of your team as well.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 10:
Be passionate.

1
Would you look to someone for guidance and leadership if they did not truly care about the goals of the group? Of course not! Great leaders are not just focused on getting group members to finish tasks; they have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the projects they work on. Start by thinking of different ways that you can express your passion. Let people know that you care about their progress. When one person shares something with the rest of the group, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate such contributions.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 10:
Listen.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 19 July 2021}

1
To be an effective leader, one must listen to what those around you are saying, and then make a decision on what you have heard. To listen is very difficult, but one must, because the lowest of the low person in your business may say something that is effective and very important, something that you would never have thought of. So... learn to listen carefully, and when everyone has had their say, only then make a decision.^{[6]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 10:
Take responsibility.

1
You want to be a leader at work, learn to take responsibility for anything that has your fingerprint on it. That means, as long as you participate in the project, you have a hand at the failure of the project. Learn to take responsibility for not just the good things, but even bad ones.^{[7]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 10:
Be a role model, not a dictator.

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Gaining respect from those who regularly encounter your brand is best done through exemplifying ideal behaviors and characteristics. Some of the most influential leaders guide their businesses, teams, and customers by modeling qualities they wish to see in others.^{[8]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 10:
Reward your team.

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Have an eye for recognition. The best leaders understand the importance of not only recognizing others, but also providing them with a reward. This technique will positively affect your personal brand through the engagement and happiness of others. Your ability to see and thank individuals for their hard work will gain brand loyalty.^{[9]
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Method 8

Method 8 of 10:
Motivate your team.

1
Motivate followers. Transformational leaders also provide inspirational motivation to encourage their followers to get into action. Of course, being inspirational isn't always easy. Fortunately, you don't need motivational speeches to rouse your group members. Being genuinely passionate about ideas or goals, helping followers feel included in the process and offering recognition, praise and rewards for people's accomplishments works good for motivation.^{[10]
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Method 9

Method 9 of 10:
Have mutual respect.

1
Remember that it’s better to be respected than loved. As human beings, we have a natural tendency to want to be loved. But what happens when your desire to be loved interferes with your ability to lead? Effective leaders recognize it is more important to be respected by their people than adored. They make the tough decisions that are needed to secure the future of those around them, including their direct reports.^{[11]
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Method 10

Method 10 of 10:
Keep your word.

1
Don't make promises you can't keep. By keeping your promises, you and others will take you seriously.

Community Q&A

Question

What makes a good leader?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Good leaders are able to communicate in a concise, meaningful way and speak with confidence and poise. They can also articulate their thoughts easily.
Question

How do you clearly articulate thoughts?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Speak clearly and try not to mumble. You can also slow down your speech, limit your filler words (like "um" or "uh"), and avoid upspeak.
Question

What is the best way to improve communication skills?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Don't be afraid to make an investment! Think about registering for a course or getting an executive coach to help you hone your communication skills.
Question

What are 3 ways to be an active listener?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

Always be present when someone is speaking to you—this shows that you're open to other ideas and thoughts. Check your body language, too; ideally, you should be facing the other person, leaning into them, and making eye contact. Also, try to repeat and summarize what the person said throughout the conversation.