Being a strong leader is a combination of a number of things. For some, it is a natural gift -- a magnetism that makes them an effective leader. For others, leadership is a quality built up over time, constructed and refined and practiced until it gains effective gravity.
Great Leaders Present Themselves As One.
The first thing someone notices about us is our appearance and behavior. They see how we dress, hear how we speak, notice how we hold ourselves and add all these all up to make an initial assessment; therefore, your image is of particular importance.
However, in addition to your appearance, it is important to consider other elements -- elements that define your leadership. That being said, we crafted five tips to help you (or someone you know) develop a stronger leadership image.
5 Tips For Creating A Stronger Leadership Image:
Tip #1. Be In Balance: The boss who runs their company with an iron fist is one that leads by fear. Smart leaders know how to strike a balance between being both strong and supportive. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as you have to straddle a fine line between being a leader who can take a joke and one that commands respect and authority. But whatever you do, never toggle between the two types in extremes, or you will lose your employees' respect.
Tip #2. Avoid Self-Absorption: Whether your company consists of three employees or three hundred employees, the moment your business becomes more than just you, it becomes a team -- a unified group moving towards a mutual goal. Remember, isolating yourself from your employees is never a smart business move. Strong leaders are inclusive, not exclusive.
Tip #3. Show Interest And Energy: When you were a student, you probably had a teacher that was not only boring but also lethargic. Conversely, you probably had a teacher who possessed a lot of energy, which made their classes fly by and the course seem more interesting. The same can be said of business leaders. Strong leaders possess a genuine passion for what they do that turns the daily grind into a welcome challenge.
Tip #4. Yes, Practice Your Speaking Skills: Take a moment to Google public speaking and vocal training. If you can, watch a video that teaches vocal training techniques. Remember, the ability to speak articulately is a powerful tool that lends itself well to commanding authority, and as such something leaders should not take lightly.
Tip #5. Communicate With Clarity: Piggybacking off Tip #4 above, part of strong communication is communicating with clarity -- and not just verbally, but in written form as well. For an example of how speech influences people's perceptions, consider President George W. Bush, who was openly mocked because of his poor speaking skills. End result: President Bush was not taken seriously as a leader.
Executive Summary: As we have discussed throughout the five tips above, your leadership image is a comprised of many elements. Your appearance, your behavior and mannerisms, the way you speak and the way you communicate all contribute to the concept of you as a leader in your business. Business leaders should treat each of the items above with equal regard, and give serious consideration to every component mentioned if they strive to present themselves as a strong, competent, dynamic leader in the business world.
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