Are You a Fearless Leader?

As a manager in a leadership position you may find yourself constantly struggling with the idea that you need to keep everyone happy all the time. Perhaps you’re worried that if your employees or coworkers aren’t happy they won’t do their jobs or their deadlines won’t be met. As such, some managers seem to get a little bit soft in their leadership – trying to hard to be friends with everyone and forgetting that they’re actually in charge of the group.

There are four main skills a fearless leader needs to have. They include:

• The ability to speak the truth when it needs to be heard, regardless of whether or not the listeners will agree (and the skill to speak the truth tactfully);
• The ability to encourage team members to express their differing opinions while encouraging debate;
• The ability to listen (and listen well); and
• The ability to accept the fact that failure is a possible outcome.

You can, of course, have all of these skills, have a functional team, and still be on friendly terms with every member of your team. You should be working as a unit but your projects and goals should always be your main focus.

Are they? Or have things gotten out of control?

Today I want you to take a look at your team structure and decide whether or not you need to step up your leadership skills. Are you ready to fearlessly take your team to the next level?

Thanks again,

Sean

Sean McPheat

Managing Director

MTD Training | Management Blog | Image courtesy of Big Stock Photo