The 3 Key Tenants to Becoming the Leader They Remember

Most of us have that one manager, friend, coach, or colleague that crossed our path at some point and left a lasting impression. However, pinning down the exact qualities that made them so striking is complicated when we’re caught up in how they made us feel. Good leaders make those they lead feel valued, heard, supported, and seen in a way that makes you want to follow them.

In 2013, Gallup published a report based on decades of data and over 25 million interviews with employees that cited poor leaders as the No. 1 reason why people quit. This is why it is now more imperative than ever to step into emotional intelligence, a new leadership style, and build better relationships.

Emotional Intelligence

There is a misconception that being an empathetic leader communicates weakness; however, it actually requires strength to listen to employees, lean into their issues and walk with them through the tough seasons.?

A global study by Qualtrics found 42% of people have experienced a decline in mental health. Specifically, 67% of people are experiencing increases in stress, while 57% have increased anxiety, and 54% are emotionally exhausted. As a leader, you never know the full scope of what your employees are balancing, but you gain their respect and loyalty by listening.?

76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders reported they were engaged compared with only 32% who experienced less empathy. So, not only are you able to build a stronger workforce, but in leading with empathy, you are setting a precedent for others to follow.

Switching Up Your Style

Turning inward to reevaluate your leadership strategy has a tremendous external impact on those following you. Adopting a more “coach-like” style could be transformative in the workplace. The idea of coaching isn’t new, and the very definition might sound self-explanatory: a coach is someone who instructs and trains. What’s essential to the definition, however, is that coaches help teams toward achieving a goal. Adopting a leadership role that acts more like a coach not only communicates confidence to your team, it makes it clear that you are goal-oriented.

Not only are coaches helping lead their teams toward a goal, but they are implementing programs that help employees and team members improve their performance and develop stronger skill sets. As leaders adopt this style, they are uniquely positioned to toggle between daily goals while driving the overall vision.?

Build Relationships

Lastly, good leaders want to learn about their employees, not for the sake of their revenue, but because they have genuine care for the team they lead. When employees feel valued, they are more willing to be open, transparent, and committed to the bigger vision. If your leader understands your goals (both personal and professional) and supports you on that path, you’re going to think twice before leaving. When leaders share about themselves and open up with their team, it requires vulnerability and builds an authentic relationship with employees.