Contemplating How to be a Great Leader

Which do you think is more important as a leader — WHAT you achieve or HOW you get there?

Throughout my career, I’ve found that while achieving goals and hitting metrics is undoubtedly important, the way we go about it — the 'how' we do it — may be even more important. 

The ‘how’ defines your team's culture and creates a space that people feel proud to be a part of. 

Here are some tips on how you can create this type of environment for your team:

When kicking off a project, make a deliberate effort to discuss your expectations around how you will operate and win as a team. In so many kickoff meetings, the emphasis tends to be on things like, “Here are the three metrics we need to hit”. Of course, having a clear picture of what success looks like is important, but it’s also important for the team members to be grounded in values.

Create a psychologically safe space by modeling active listening, respectful disagreement, and healthy debate. Phrases like “I totally hear where you are coming from” and “Help me understand that better” go a long way. Team members will take a cue from you and treat each other with the same level of respect.  And a healthy debate culture will encourage individuals to voice their thoughts freely, even if contradictory, creating an atmosphere where ideas can be challenged, refined, and ultimately improved.

Welcome mistakes and praise risk-taking. Encouraging team members to take risks implies an environment where creativity is embraced and new ideas are championed. By celebrating the process of taking calculated risks, individuals will feel empowered to try something new without the fear of being penalized in some way. 

Kindness has always been a cornerstone of every team I’ve led — and it's proven to be an essential ingredient in creating a positive and supportive workplace. Acts of kindness, whether acknowledging a colleague's effort or offering assistance during a challenging task, foster a sense of camaraderie and help build trust and deep connection.

By prioritizing a culture of respect, healthy debate, and kindness, your team will not only achieve its goals but will do so with a sense of unity and shared purpose. And, you know what else I’ve realized? ‘How' you operate can actually become your competitive advantage, setting your team apart and allowing you to win in an often crowded and competitive landscape

Stay connected! For career insights, book recommendations and a roundup of interesting stuff that's on my radar, sign up for my monthly newsletter.