Effective Leadership That Works Everywhere
8 Ways To Make A Great Impression
- Let everyone involved know that they’re leaders of themselves foremost:
People need to understand that this is an opportunity to either be deemed as assets or liabilities. Let them know they should always put their best foot forward, and keep it there, at all times. Let them know that this is their opportunity to shine, not yours. Let them know it will be their actions, or lack thereof, that will ultimately determine their fate.
2 Common courtesy is a must:
We all have a need to feel as though we matter beyond the time and effort we give. So, every day, acknowledge all those who work with you. Show them you don’t regard yourself as better, but as someone who gives what they want to receive.
3. Give recognition:
When people are doing what’s expected of them, let it be known that you appreciate their effort. This will ensure that they’ll be willing to give more of it. We all love to feel not only wanted but needed as well.
4. Have an opened door policy:
When people understand they can come to talk to you one on one, this is a sign of respect. Establish upfront that this is not a time for socializing, but to discuss solutions to make the workday more peaceful, as well as productive, for all involved.
5. Time and place:
Never correct someone for something they did inappropriately before a crowd, this could easily be regarded as grandstanding or flexing authority, both of which could cause a not-so-favorable outcome for all involved. Discreetly pull the individual to the side and point out the misstep. They will appreciate this and push you further into the light of respect in the person’s eyes.
6. Show not tell:
If people have been assigned to work with you on a project, and you’ve been designated the primary leader, show everyone what’s expected of them. Give them an all-out example and then have them repeat what they were shown until they do it like it was done. This serves two purposes: First, it gives you peace of mind knowing those working with you are doing what’s expected of them. And second, people will appreciate you for taking the time to ensure they’d give their best effort.
7. Refer to people by their first names:
It is said that there are no other sounds we humans love hearing more than that of our own voice, and other people saying our names. When we hear certain people refer to us by our name in a work environment, it gives us a sense of accomplishment, as though our overall effort has earned us the utmost display of recognition.
8. Thank people for their donation of time.
Again, we all love to understand that our presence matters beyond the primary reason we showed up. So, take the time to thank everyone for showing up and showing out. This will have them all leaving with a smile, and feeling eager to show up the next day.
These 8 tips derived from my experience as a crew leader for just a year and a half, and from being a leader of myself for over 25-years. Now, I’m not saying that these tips will work for you, as they worked for me, but if I wasn’t willing to share them, I know for a fact they wouldn’t work. Opinions are just that until those hearing them deem them as helpful advice, not those giving them.