Being a leader is more than running meetings and managing a team; it’s a skill that takes a lifetime to master, and there will always be room to grow as a mentor, coach and source of inspiration to your employees
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes
In your quest to become a better leader you’re bound to hear about countless fads and trendy tips for ‘modern’ managers. However, there are some pieces of business advice that will never get old. A panel of Young Entrepreneur Council members share a few of the timeless leadership tips that have been important to them throughout their careers and why.
You cannot pour from an empty cup
As leaders, it’s so important to be healthy in mind, body and spirit so that we can be our best selves and show up as great leaders for our teams. I find it essential to work out, meditate and journal so I can focus on the right things and support my team the best I can.
One piece of advice I’ve heard – and find to be more applicable than ever – is to always view your role as ‘under construction’. This means that you are constantly tearing down and building up parts of your organisation and yourself. I truly believe this mindset helps you stay conscious that leadership is not something you can coast on. There are new challenges, new teams, new people, new circumstances we all have to deal with, and assuming you’ve covered it all is impractical. Rather, view things from the mindset of what needs to be torn down today (what isn’t working) and what needs to be built (what new thing needs to be done) and you’ll evolve with the times and the people you lead. It also keeps you humble!
One of my mentors mentioned this early in my entrepreneurial career, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. It refers to making a full, heartfelt commitment to whatever you’re doing, rather than merely going through the motions, or following the rules to get to a desired end point. It’s a piece of advice I keep in mind in my day-to-day, and also when I’m hiring. I don’t bring new employees into the team if they’re interested in merely complying, or putting their time in before leaving for someplace else. Instead, I look for a true commitment to the company’s mission, and the values for which we stand. This way, we can build long-lasting partnerships rather than fleeting hires that turn over every year or two.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to keep a journal. Keeping a journal helps me problem-solve, express myself, focus on my goals, shape my growth and be creative. I use my journal to ask myself these important questions. What was my aim? How did my expectations compare to reality? How did it make me feel? What did I learn? What am I grateful for? How far have I come?
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