When you’re in a leadership position in any company, you’ll need to pay careful attention to a number of things. However, here at Technalink we’ve found that being able to master the image you convey to others will be incredibly important – and it’s something that’s often misunderstood.
The reason for that misunderstanding often comes down to the fact that as a business professional you really have two images to focus on – the way clients, customers, and competitors view you and the way that your employees view you. Think about it – you may want a competitor to view you as a tough negotiator who will pursue their goals doggedly. But your employees will need to look to you as a kind of leader they can trust to be fair, kind, and positive while guiding them to their goals.
What does that mean to you? It means that you have to take an honest look at yourself. Start off by determining what you can about what people already think about you. Be honest here – do you come across as too strict or domineering to your employees? Do they respect you, or do they simply fear you? Understanding the difference can help you improve your overall working environment.
Now think about how to give yourself a makeover if you need it. This could be as simple as changing your wardrobe, but usually it involves a total reworking of your approach within the business environment. Go from leading through fear and scare tactics to leading through compassion and by setting a good example. Show positivity instead of negativity. Stop shifting blame or taking credit for something someone else achieved.
Seeing a pattern here? While the majority of business professionals are truly great leaders who understand and appreciate their team members, some could use a bit of a review on how they approach the way they treat their team and the way that they act in general. Consider this carefully and you could change the way you’re viewed within your business – and in the process, the overall success of your business.
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