5 Leadership Qualities That Improve Employee Performance And Work Engagement

Leadership qualities play an important role in any company. Supervisors and managers have an influential role in retaining employees. In fact, we can even go as far as to say that employees do not really leave a company. They leave because of the managers who have failed them.

In any business, the manpower is the greatest asset of a company. If you can take care of your employees, then they will take care of business for you. To take care of the employees, you need to make sure that they are exposed to the right leadership qualities.

5 qualities of a leader that will motivate employees to be more productive

So what qualities should a leader have to improve the performance and work engagement of employees?

Have a strong work ethic

Leaders should walk the talk. If you want employees to work efficiently, effectively, and productively, you have to do the same. If you want them to go to work on time, you have to avoid being late.

Set a good example. This is how you can initially earn their respect. Do not deliver empty promises and make sure what you say is equivalent to what you will do. By being a role model, you can be a positive influence on the employees working for you.

Be a risk-taker

You should not be afraid to take risks. Sometimes, being brave to take these challenges head-on is the key to driving profit into the business. Although it should be done with proper planning and analysis, you have to display courage in taking a leap of faith. Of course, not all risks payout.

That means you should also be honest enough to own up to your mistakes. This is one quality that is hard to swallow for some leaders. Be brave in making difficult choices but make sure you hold yourself accountable if things do not work out. This quality will give your own employees the courage to take calculated risks too.

Become a mentor

Obviously, you want employees to look at you as a leader. But beyond that, they should also feel that you are a mentor. Esther Wang, the founder of JoyTingle, recognises the role of mentors in a successful career. You have to lead and guide them towards the results that will bring the company forward.

A mentor has the ability to discover the best qualities of their employees. You need to know how to cultivate these skills and talents so employees can realise and act on their full potential. Give wisdom and then step back as the employees take the reins. You will not only train the best employees, you will also earn their respect and loyalty.

Display authenticity

In everything that you do, you have to be genuine. Hidden agendas may be good for business, but try to avoid it when it comes to managing people. It makes employees feel used and unappreciated. It is very important to make employees feel like they matter in the company. It will encourage them to communicate their thought and ideas and will boost their confidence.

When you have a confident workforce, it will help the business stay competitive. Obviously, that confidence has to start from your authenticity. Make sure you live your personal brand so you can be a great role model. This will leave a powerful impact on those around you.

Give credit where it is due

The last of the leadership qualities that will improve employee performance learning how to give credit where it is due. Build your team so they can achieve great things – and be recognised for it.

Although your guidance played an important role in the success of their career, you have to let them shine on their own. Reward and recognise employees who have performed well. Encourage those who do not. This will motivate them to get out of their comfort zones to achieve greater feats for the business.

If you want your employees to improve their performance and be more engaged in their respective tasks, you have to make sure that you display these leadership qualities.

Qualities that will make you a great leader among employees

Apart from the 5 that was mentioned, there are other qualities that you can develop in order to be a great leader in the eyes of your employees. It is mostly about the relationship that you have with them. Here are some qualities that can help strengthen your working relationship.

• Listen to them. Sit down with your employees to listen. Avoid giving out orders and let them talk. They may have ideas that you have failed to realise. This will help boost the morale of the team.
• Know them on a personal level. Leaders should get out of their office to interact and mingle with their team. Go out after office hours and hand out every once in a while. This will help you gain insight into their personal lives and struggles. It will give you a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Show emotion. Contrary to what you may believe, this is not a sign of weakness. To be a great leader, you need to show employees that you know how they feel. A human approach is sometimes effective in reaching out and being a good influence in the workplace. If you think an employee is having a hard time, go easy on them.
• Be patient and open-minded. If the employee is having a hard time with something, be more patient and try not to be too judgemental. Sometimes, your approach may not be effective for them. Talk it out and be patient in discovering the best way for the employee to complete the task.

As you can see, leadership qualities play a significant role in keeping a company competitive. If your employees are performing well and engaged in their everyday tasks, you have nothing to worry about as they run the business for you.