Here’s the scenario: you just received a promotion, and it’s time to meet your new team. While confident in your ability to get the job done, it’s still the first time you’ve held a position of leadership at such a high level. In situations like this, it’s always good to remember the following four tips for projecting leadership.
1. Set the Tone
The mark of a great leader is the ability to set the tone for the organization. This starts by showing up early and staying late. When a leader is willing to work harder than his employees, it sets a high standard that others strive to match.
2. Don’t Fear Silence
Occasionally, the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all. Sometimes projecting leadership means keeping your mouth closed and just listening intently to the conversation. When you do speak, your words will carry more weight.
3. Ask the Right Questions
Bold leaders ask questions. They understand that by asking constructive questions, they encourage the kind of dialogue that can forge solutions.
4. Stand By Your Decisions
Effective leaders make confident and informed decisions. Nothing causes more damage to a leader’s reputation than indecisiveness; continual waffling signals weakness. That doesn’t mean a leader won’t change his or her mind, but a good leader will only change course when it’s absolutely necessary.
–dewayne rogers
