What does it mean to be a people leader?
2022 has been a trying year for most of us, but I feel it especially in the marketing and advertising industry. So when an industry acquaintance shared that his business was booming - in fact, was even better than pre-pandemic years, I was intrigued. I asked what his secret was.
He said, “I’ve never subscribed to this philosophy back then, but since applying it, I’m starting to believe in it. It’s this: Our job as a leader is to take care of the people, and in turn the people will take care of the clients. The clients will then take care of our business.”
According to a Forbes report on people leadership, the traditional view of business leaders focuses on the leader being the hero. In other words, their strategy contributes the most to the company’s financial performance, and they have the highest authority amongst their people. On the other hand, people leaders focus on the team; spending time coaching them to reach their full potential and constantly aligning them towards a common goal.
This is what most employees want: a manager who has their back. Management consulting company Gallup states that “bad managers cost businesses billions of dollars a year”, further emphasising the age-old expression that people don’t quit their job, they quit their boss.
If you think that you’ve been operating as a traditional business leader, the good news is that nearly anyone can become a people leader by practicing these tips:
Lose the hero attitude and adopt a win-as-a-team mindset. Be respectful to every team member and be open to listening to their perspective. These days, it takes a village to navigate our VUCA world.
Create urgency by setting clear directions and standards of excellence.
Add value, not pressure. Help your team remove their roadblocks.
Inspire, motivate and challenge your team.
Create a culture of public appreciation.
Have frequent one-on-one coaching sessions.
Don’t shy away from tough conversations. Provide developmental feedback in real time and don’t wait for the annual performance review cycle. Encourage the team to provide upward feedback about you as well.
Walk the talk.
Make an effort to get to know your team members on a personal level.
Be real. People would rather follow a leader who is always real than a leader who is always right. ●