What makes an awesome leader

To run our own business, we need to be brave to take risks, be outspoken in presenting our business' goods and be the type of person people follow. In simple terms, we need to be a leader. If we decide not to be a leader, the chances of our business succeeding is very little, if not zero. When you can't even decide on how to sell, can't even convince others to buy your products and can't even get the support of the people you hire - you can be sure your business is at stake.

What is a leader?


Before we can talk about what makes an awesome leader, we need to understand the term 'leader'. So, what is a leader? Someone who leads? Someone who tells people what to do and make sure they do it? Someone who demands respect from others only because they're the leader? No. A leader is one who guides and leads others while inspiring them, without being forced. They don't ask for respect, they earn it.

What makes an awesome leader?


Anyone can be leaders, it's whether they can get people's cooperation or not that classifies them as either a good leader or a rubbish leader.

Be a good listener.


No one likes to talk to a person standing in front of them and know that they are not actually heard. If they're not heard, what's the point of wasting their time and breath, talking? If you're a leader and you don't listen, your subordinates are going to feel unappreciated. This may eventually lead to demotivation and demoralisation. So, when they talk to you, answer them, ask them questions relating to what they've told you before - an exam? a driving test?  A simple "How did your driving test go?" can go a long way. It just shows them that you've listened and you care.

Be an understanding manager.

It's important to keep track of your business' progress and it's also important to make sure your employees are happy to work in your business. Different people live different lifestyle. It could be all sweet to you but some others may find their life a struggle. When you have these employees, try and put yourself in their shoes. It may be that they sent in their work late because they had to stay up all night looking after their daughter in hospital. At times like these, be nice and don't put too much pressure on them. Otherwise, you'll just add to their burden and may result them in a nervous breakdown. To keep things balance, just be sure not to let them walk over you.

Be relaxed - less stress, more progress.

No one likes being stressed. It gives you headaches, sleepless nights and can turn a perfectly good day to the worst day of ones life. Relax and smile. When you're relaxed, your subordinates would be less stressed and would be motivated to produce progress voluntarily rather than forcefully. This would be a great working environment - when people get along well and not a single tension arises, which can produce labour productivity.

Think from different views


Different people think from different views. Some may be more specific, some may be more shallow and some may be just the kind of ideas you need for your business. Encourage people to share ideas, and if they disagree with yours, discuss with them the pros and cons and decide which is better for the business - not for your ego. That way, they would be more motivated and feel more appreciated within the business - producing quality service and an excellent working environment. Who would want to miss that?

Still not enough? Want a more in-depth guide to how to be a good leader? Have a look at these books and see if it will suit you.