Natasha Wallace
Leadership is about more than just giving orders. CEO of TCLC, Natasha Wallace, knows that to be an effective leader, you need to motivate and inspire your team to achieve collective success. Here are six things you can do if you're looking to improve your leadership skills, become a better business leader, and go from being a good leader to an exceptional, Conscious Leader.
Always Communicate Vision and Purpose
As a leader, one of your most important responsibilities is to clearly communicate your company’s vision and purpose to your team. Employees need to know the organisation’s goals and how their work contributes to those goals. Working together towards common objectives is easier when everyone’s on the same page.
Of course, this isn't always easy. As a leader, you need to be able to articulate the company's vision in a way that is inspiring and motivating. You also need to be aware of how people prefer to receive information. Some employees respond well to written communications, while others prefer face-to-face interactions.
The key is to find what works best for each individual by being awake to their needs and then tailoring your approach accordingly.
By constantly communicating the vision and purpose of the Conscious Leader, you can ensure that everyone is working towards common goals and that the company is moving in the right direction.
Related reading: The Conscious Leadership Psychometric: Measuring Burnout, Wellbeing and Performance
Foster a Culture of Learning
Encouraging employees to grow and develop their skills is essential for long-term success. Employees are more engaged and motivated when they feel like they have the opportunity to learn and improve.
As a leader, you should provide opportunities for employee development and encourage continued learning. This might include offering training programs, sponsoring educational events, or simply creating an environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged. By investing in your employees' growth with leadership development, you'll reap the rewards of a more productive, innovative workforce.
Creating a culture of learning isn't just good for business — it's also the right thing to do. By allowing employees to develop their skills, you're helping them reach their full potential. And that's something everyone can benefit from.
Related reading: Intro to Growth - Consciously Lessons
Promote Collaboration over Competition
As a business leader or CEO, one of your foremost responsibilities is establishing the tone for your organisation, which starts with fostering a collaborative environment. Of course, healthy competition can be beneficial, but it's essential that employees feel like they're working together towards a common goal rather than against each other.
Collaboration fosters a sense of teamwork and can help teams work more efficiently towards collective success. Furthermore, it allows for sharing ideas and perspectives, which is essential for innovation. Leaders who promote collaboration within their organisations set the stage for long-term success.
By cultivating a spirit of togetherness, they're demonstrating effective leadership skills and laying the foundation for a thriving business.
Related reading: Using Togetherness to Create an Inclusive, Healthy Workplace
Be Transparent
CEOs and other leaders must remember the importance of transparency to those who work under them. It is a key characteristic of an effective leader because it allows employees to trust their lead, creating a feeling of togetherness throughout the company.
Leaders who maintain leadership skills by being transparent also show that they are conscious of their workers and value inclusion. An effective leader understands that a company succeeds when everyone works together towards a common goal.
A lack of transparency can breed suspicion and mistrust, undermining the foundation of any business. When employees feel like they are in the dark, it can create an environment of anxiety and isolation. On the other hand, transparency builds trust and creates a sense of belonging.
When employees feel like they are part of something larger than themselves, it inspires loyalty, drives motivation, fosters open communication, and allows for more collaboration. As a result, transparency is essential for any thriving business. By creating an environment where employees feel valued and included, businesses can unlock the potential for success.
Related reading: 10 Symptoms of Low Wellbeing and Connection in Leaders
Encourage Feedback
CEOs are often seeking ways to improve their leadership skills. One way to do this is by encouraging feedback from employees. Feedback provides valuable insights that can help leaders identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes.
Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable providing positive and negative feedback is essential for any leader who wants to improve their effectiveness. The right feedback at the right time can drive purpose and help CEOs foster a more productive and positive work environment.
Related reading: Consequences of Leading Without Awareness
Learn Resilience
Being a leader is one of the most challenging and demanding jobs. It requires a high level of technical knowledge, experience, and strong leadership skills. To succeed, leaders must maintain a positive mindset and preserve energy levels.
They also need to learn to work sustainably to avoid burnout and maintain a high level of productivity over the long term. By learning to be more resilient, Conscious leaders can set themselves up for success in their careers and personal lives.
Remember, being resilient doesn't mean that you never experience adversity or stress. It simply means you have the tools and resources necessary to manage these challenges healthily.
Related reading: Intro to Resilience — Consciously Lessons
Lead by Example
Business leaders, it's time to lead by example. As a leader, you are the face of the organisation and the one who sets the tone for the company. You must learn how to lead by example in everything you do, from your conduct to your professional decisions.
Employees will take their cues from you, so you must show them that you embody the organisation’s values. You have the opportunity to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world around you. It's time to step up and show everyone what true leadership looks like.
Related reading: We Are What We Believe — Consciously Lessons.
Adapt or Be Outpaced
As any business leader knows, the key to success is always staying one step ahead of the competition. It's essential to keep up with the latest leadership trends. The business world is constantly changing, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Static brands are doomed to be outgrown by their competitors, and no business is without hungry competitors.
You can ensure that your brand remains relevant and competitive by staying up to date on the latest leadership trends. Conscious Leadership is becoming increasingly popular, and more businesses are focusing on creating a positive impact globally. As a business leader, you must stay aware of these shifts in the landscape and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Doing so can position yourself and your brand for long-term success.
Natasha Wallace is the Founder and CEO of The Conscious Leadership Company, the leadership development and psychometric platform that empowers leaders to take care of their performance and wellbeing. TCLC helps leaders thrive with tech that encourages them to continuously learn, reflect and track the way they feel — so they can do the best possible job and feel good while they do it.
