Tips to Become a High Performing Leader

The business landscape has truly shifted over the past few years with more and more startups being created on the daily. In this competitive environment, strong and competent leadership is more crucial than ever. CEOs and business owners who want to achieve results must not only be high-performing leaders, but also someone who inspires trust and instils motivation to drive the team forward.

Being credible is the foundation of every great and successful leader. According to a study conducted by Gallup, high-trust workplaces experience a 106% less turnover, a 40% increase in productivity, and a 73% increase in team engagement. But how do you go about building trust?

• Transparency and Open Communication

Being upfront and honest in your communication trickles down within your workplace. Share information as soon as it’s readily available, don’t sugarcoat it when it’s not necessarily positive news. This creates a sense of security and allows employees to feel invested in your company’s future.

• Deliver on Promises

Walk the talk. Ensure that all your promises and commitments are met consistently. This builds trust in your leadership and sparks confidence in your vision.

• Embrace Ethical Practices

Maintain the highest level of ethical standards. This includes fair treatment of all employees, clients and partners regardless of hierarchy. A Harvard Business Review study by the Institute for Corporate Ethics (ECI) found that companies perceived as highly ethical outperform the market by an average of 1.74 times over a 10-year period.

High-performing leaders know that their company’s success hinges on the success of their team. Here’s how to empower your employees:

• Effective Delegation

Nobody likes a micromanager. Assign tasks and align with team members according to their strengths and set expectations beforehand. Provide the resources and support they need to excel. Delegation allows for individual growth and fosters a sense of ownership within the team.

• Invest in Professional Development

Provide ample opportunities for your employees to continuously learn and develop new skills. Not only this benefits your company, but also demonstrates your investment in your employees for long-term growth.

• Foster Collaboration

Encourage teamwork and information sharing. By creating a collaborative environment, you leverage the collective strengths of your team and spark innovation.

Becoming a high-performing leader is a constant learning process as these leaders are never satisfied with the status quo. They continuously strive to improve themselves and their company. This includes seeking feedback, embracing change and being able to spot trends by staying ahead of the curve.

To sum it up, transforming yourself into a high-performing leader can be tough at first but it is certainly a worthwhile process. Remember that leadership is a journey and not a destination, therefore establishing yourself as a credible and reliable leader will propel your company to greater heights.