Great Leaders Present Themselves As One

leadershipThe first thing someone notices about us is our appearance and behavior. It is important to watch both of these things in order to make a good first impression. There are, however, other elements that define how others see and react to. These elements combine to create your leadership image. To be considered a leader, you need to present yourself as one. These elements can get you on your way.

Be In Balance: Smart leaders know how to strike a balance between being strong and supportive. You have to balance between being able to take a joke and commanding respect and authority. Being able to juggle these two is important but difficult. If take either to extremes you will lose your employees’ respect. Be firm and confident but be supportive. You get more from building people up than by tearing them down.

Avoid Self-Absorption: If you have employees, suppliers, or partners, your business is a team effort. Isolating yourself is never a smart business move. Strong leaders are inclusive, not exclusive.

 

Communicate With Clarity: Being a strong communicator means communicating with clarity. That includes the spoken word, the written word, and images and body language. If you are not comfortable with your communications, practice. Even the most brilliant idea will fall flat when communicated poorly.