Whether you’re a seasoned leader or you fell into a leadership role without formal training, we all face roadblocks & improvement opportunities. By recognising them, you can implement strategies to become a more effective leader.

Potential Leadership Roadblocks

1. No formal leadership training.
   Many leaders fall into a role with no formal training. Leadership skills must be learned and practised.
2. Lack of clarity or alignment.
   A leader that’s not aligned with the company vision, or able to clearly articulate this, will create confusion for the team.
3. Purpose and values not lived into.
   Why do you exist for your customers? What values does your organisation use as a framework for decision-making and interaction? If you can’t articulate these, your customers won’t understand the value you provide.
4. Poor communication.
   Failure to communicate expectations results in frustration and disengagement; ultimately damaging company culture.
5. Us and them attitude.
   Some leaders fail to ensure the team feel valued and included, resulting in high team turnover, low job satisfaction, lack of innovation and poor results.

Over The Roadblocks

1. Undertake leadership training.
   Online courses, webinars/seminars, or coaching will all help you become more effective.
2. Develop a clear plan.
   Ensure all leaders have the same vision for the business. Working with an independent coach or advisor can ensure leaders are aligned.
3. Clearly communicate with the team.
   Update the team regularly with your plan and vision and how their roles and tasks fit into the bigger picture. This goes both ways; ensure your team is comfortable communicating with you.
4. Articulate your purpose and values.
   Ensure your team understands why you exist for your customers. Develop a set of Core Values with your team and celebrate when they’re being lived out.
5. Inspire the team.
   Work alongside your team for outcomes that everyone can celebrate. Catch up with team members so everyone feels valued, engaged and is loyal to the purpose. 

Being a leader can be tough; from having courageous conversations to lift performance and culture to trusting someone else to do as good a job of it as you can. But being a leader should also be rewarding, that team member you helped develop a new skill, who now does a better, more efficient job than you did - is ultimately a win for you and the business.

Need help identifying your blind spots & implementing improvement strategies? Get in touch!