How to Improve Leadership Skills in the Workplace

Kent McGroarty has worked as a freelance lifestyle writer/copywriter for 14 years, with content appearing in a variety of online magazines and websites, including SF Gate Home and Garden, AZ Central Healthy Living, Local.com, EDGE Publications, and Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, among others. She has a B.A. in English from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA, and won Honorable Mention in the 89th and 90th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition for the children's book category. She focuses on topics such as health, psychology, leadership, and conflict management.

Effective leadership in the workplace is essential to maintain a productive, healthy work environment. If you are wondering how to improve leadership skills in the workplace, there are many avenues available. Review some of your best options to help your efforts below.

Consider Following Leadership-Themed Social Media Accounts

Social media can breed unhealthy comparisons to others, but it can also be a self-improvement tool. There are many leadership-themed accounts that provide inspiring content, such as Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors who shares tips and resources through her Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Another option is Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Airlines who has a strong following on Instagram and LinkedIn, and Adena Friedman, the CEO of Nasdaq who frequently uses Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

These and other renowned business leaders share more than tips, as they recount stories of struggle and perseverance, discuss success stories, and provide their guiding principles that helped them get to and stay where they are.

Dive Into Books About Leadership

If you are an avid bookworm, consider borrowing or purchasing a few books about leadership. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is all about maximizing your potential, while Power Up by Magdalena Yesil details her start as an immigrant working in the Silicon Valley area of California. Yesil was an early Salesforce investor and provides stories and tips about working in the technology field as a woman. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz is all about creating and operating a startup venture, and features advice about how to handle challenging business issues. Other books on how to improve leadership skills in the workplace include The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen and The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley.

Take a Leadership Class

Leadership classes and courses, whether online or in person, provide many resources and tips on being an effective leader. Many classes also include simulating workplace situations for practice purposes, which helps you get a better idea of how to handle real-life issues. Taking a leadership class can also connect you with mentors who provide helpful advice and even counseling services when you need them. They additionally offer feedback on workplace situations, including what you did right and what you can improve on. Constructive criticism is a fantastic way to grow and learn.

Stay Transparent

Transparency is one of the qualities a good leader has. By sharing information with your team, both positive and negative, they feel “in the loop” instead of wondering what will happen next. Maintaining transparency is also a hallmark of good communication, which is another key to effective leadership. By communicating expectations and listening closely to your team, they will know what they need to do and respect you. Delegating tasks to team members instead of trying to micromanage also wins respect.

Admit Mistakes

There is not one thing wrong with admitting mistakes and failures. All it means is that you are human and “mess up” every once in a while. Failure is a fantastic teacher, as it allows you to look at what occurred from a more objective point of view and realize what worked…and what didn’t. Admitting fault is yet another way to win the respect of your team, because it helps them feel connected to you. While you don’t need to be your employees’ friend, you do want to show that you are a fellow human and are here to learn, just as they are. They will appreciate this immensely.

For more about how to improve leadership skills in the workplace, visit Peaceful Leaders Club today!

Kent McGroarty has worked as a freelance lifestyle writer/copywriter for 14 years, with content appearing in a variety of online magazines and websites, including SF Gate Home and Garden, AZ Central Healthy Living, Local.com, EDGE Publications, and Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, among others. She has a B.A. in English from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA, and won Honorable Mention in the 89th and 90th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition for the children's book category. She focuses on topics such as health, psychology, leadership, and conflict management.