Introduction
What does it take to be a great, authoritative leader? Well, all it takes is a good understanding of the concept of authoritarian leadership, a tested business plan, and empathy.
If you are starting out in such a role, then you should take advantage of this blog, as we would like to tell you about the humanistic side of being a great leader.
Here are some ways you can genuinely become a gifted leader.
Who Is A Strong Leader?
Everyone wants to be at the forefront, leading. However, being a boss and being a leader are two different things. Being a boss is easy. You have to make sure that the team or the department you are heading produces numbers. But being a leader is complex and more nuanced.
A strong leader is only sometimes about authoritative leadership and business strategies. It runs deeper and is more about the character of a human being. A strong leader is someone who is dynamic—somebody who knows the importance of being fair with their employees. Somebody would lead a team from the frontline.
All of these are signs of a strong leader. A leader who is not just concerned about the numbers but also gives employees the same amount of priority that they deserve.
Why Do You Need A Strong Leader?
Having a strong leader is very important for an organization. A strong leader tries to produce numbers but not at the cost of employee’s well-being. Therefore, every department needs a leader who can lead from the front. Here are some more added advantages of having good authoritative leadership at your disposal:
- Morale: A good leader understands the importance of morale. As a result, a good leader tries to keep team morale high. Which, in turn, helps create a positive working environment.
- Resourcefulness: A leader’s primary job role is to be resourceful. They should be capable of providing solutions to keep the business plan rolling.
- Bridging Gaps: communication gaps are inevitable. However, during these times, a strong leader must know effective means to bridge these gaps. Therefore, a leader is also a mediator whose job is to keep the communication lines open.
There are countless reasons for having a good leader. However, these three benefits stand out among the rest.
Effective Leadership Strategies
We have already seen who a good leader is and the benefits of having a good leader. But what are the things that set a great leader apart from a good boss?
Honestly, it’s the small things. These are things that are rarely optimal but go a long way. Things that seem redundant but add value.
Here are some of the most prominent and influential authoritative leadership strategies that you need to know about if you want to be a great leader and not just a good boss.
Here we go!
Short Term Goals
A good leader understands the importance of short-term goals. If you give a herculean list of deliverables to an employee, chances are that they would get nervous. Therefore, the best way to proceed is to break the task into smaller volumes.
In other words, sit with the employee and break the long-term plan into smaller short-term goals. Make sure that the goal is in sync with the employee’s capabilities. This would ensure that your goals are evenly distributed and remain achievable.
Develop Skill
A great leader is someone who has a vast array of skills. These skill sets could range from administrative to operational to quality checking. Therefore, if you want to be a great leader, you must be open to developing skill sets.
The best way to do this is by picking up free and paid courses that help you understand the subject. Try to understand what skill gap you need to fill. Subsequently, work towards filling that gap. This would prepare you to tackle challenges while leading.
Active Listening
A boss makes their employees listen. But a leader knows when to keep shut and listen. As a leader, your employees are your most significant assets. Therefore, you need to have a mentality to safeguard them at all times.
However, the best way to lead is to listen. Chances are, they might have a good business plan but are scared to bring it up. Have a mono-y-mono with the employee and try to understand their POV.
Or it could be a problem that they are facing while working. Therefore, sit and listen. It will help you to be an empath and put you on the path to greatness.
Inspiring
You are not a slave driver. You are a leader. A leader never uses sticks and stones (metaphorically) to make their teamwork. Instead, they inspire. They inspire people to achieve targets and put their best foot forward.
The best way to do this is by being the best. Make sure that you are not just leading but are excelling at your day-to-day work. This sets a great example among employees.
They will be inspired to match your temper, which will be better for your business in the long run. Therefore, encourage your employees and not berate them to get the job done.
Gaining Experience
Experience is one of the most important things that leaders must go for. Regardless of your degree or expertise, some challenges can only be fixed by an experienced leader. Therefore, be at it and gain experience. It will ensure business success and prosperity.
Sadly, there is no hack to gain experience. We can suggest you go through cases. However, you need more practical knowledge than you have. Therefore, we suggest you go for a flexible job role. This can help you switch between roles.
Switching job roles will help you juggle between different crisis situations and, in turn, help you become a more conscious leader.
Bonus Point: Being Passionate
Last but not least, you need to love your job. Remember one thing: a boss is a resentful human being who hates their job. This sounds like a gross stereotyping. But what we are trying to say is that you can only grow if you love your job.
Therefore, find out what you want from within. Ask yourself intrusive questions about your work. This would enable you to understand your stance regarding the work you do. As a result, find what you love. This makes you happy and helps you lead effectively.
The End Note
In summation, following a by-the-book authoritarian leadership regime without empathy will get you nowhere. There is a fine line of difference between a boss and a great leader. Hopefully, we have been able to capture the true essence between the two concepts. If so, like this post and leave a comment.
Author bio:
Sagnika is fuelled with curiosity that knows no bounds, she delves into the depths of social media marketing strategies. She loves decoding the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication and business. As an avid reader, she collects knowledge on a wide array of topics, from the intricacies of human connections to the latest trends in house decor.