How to become a real leader and change your company

When the world is changing faster and faster, it seems perfectly reasonable to treat colleagues as rivals, not share information and try to win at any cost. In fact, the chances of success are higher for those who adhere to a different leadership style - leadership as service. For example, researchers from the University of Illinois found that companies with this approach improve important indicators: productivity (6% growth), service quality (8%) and staff retention (up to 50%).

According to this concept, the leader's task is to help employees develop and achieve their goals.

Whereas in traditional approaches, his main goal is to achieve the prosperity of the company. And for this, they usually employ a dominant leadership style that demonstrates power and determination.

Leadership as ministry overturns this view of leadership. It is based on nine rules, and we will take a closer look at each of them.

1. Serve Others First

To do this, tune in to cooperation. Don't think, "How can I win?" - try to make the situation win-win for everyone involved.

Avoid the “give a person a description of their responsibilities and send them to do them” model. Commit to the holistic development of your employees, both personal and professional.

2. Give others something valuable

Consider what you, as a leader, can give to help others grow. What are your strengths? What are the unique skills with which you can improve someone's project, idea, career?

“Imagine a greenhouse with many plants,” says Tony Shea, CEO of Zappos and author of Delivering Happiness. “Every plant is an employee. In a typical company, the leader is the tallest plant that everyone else wants to match. But I see myself differently. I imagine myself as a greenhouse architect, my task is to create the right conditions inside so that all the plants grow and bloom magnificently."

3. Build trusting relationships

To do this, don't micromanage - delegate tasks. Take responsibility for your decisions and their consequences. And when you criticize, give practical advice.

“The days when the boss was the smartest in the room are long gone, as my team constantly reminds me,” says Scott Farquhar, co-founder of Atlassian. - The leader must trust that his colleagues will make smart decisions. Encourage open discussion and create a safe environment where every voice is heard."

4. Listen to understand

And not in order to insert your opinion into the conversation. Practice active listening and don't interrupt people during meetings and conferences. Try to truly understand the other person.

Use the phrases "Tell me more about this" and "Help me understand." Having heard them, the interlocutor will want to share his point of view. At the same time, he will not feel as if he is being doubted.

5. Understand your thinking

How do you perceive the situations in which you find yourself, or the actions that you encounter? How do you view feedback: as something negative or as an opportunity to become better?

Learn to distinguish between helpful and unhelpful thoughts, and to rephrase negative beliefs. For example, do not use the words "always" and "never" when describing situations and actions.

6. Share your knowledge

Give others a chance to learn from you. Typical leaders, on the other hand, try to keep information to themselves and grab more power. But when only you alone possess some knowledge, then you hold back progress. By sharing them, you empower your employees to make decisions and innovate.

7. Show courage

People mistakenly think that a ministering leader should be nice and kind. But sometimes the best act of kindness is to start an unpleasant conversation, make a difficult decision, and hold someone accountable. It takes courage.

“But courage isn't just about making tough decisions,” says Mike Cannon-Brooks, co-founder of Atlassian. - And also in a calm attitude to failures. We often think that being successful means always doing everything right. In fact, victories come when you make mistakes and learn from them. You cannot be successful without trying something new, and for that you need to be willing to take risks."

8. Be the living embodiment of your values

Tasks are automated, competition is growing, and it is especially important for people that their personal values align with those of the company. Try to embody them in yourself and live them. This will create a more supportive and productive environment for your team.

9. Live by these principles at all times

You cannot become a minister-leader by attending one seminar. This is a lifelong challenge. Make these principles a part of you, live them, apply them in business and social life.

“I firmly believe that success depends on two things: service leadership and the golden rule of management,” says Irene Rosenfeld, former CEO of Kraft Foods. - The Golden Rule is one of the simplest management concepts: Show others the same respect and frankness that you would like to receive in return. Employees today do not want a leader to command and control. They want a leader from whom they can learn. I believe that I am in my position to help the organization achieve its goals, not the other way around.”