Reminders for First Time Leaders

It is said that leaders are made, not born and that to become a successful one, you have to undergo certain trials and gather great deal of experience. Being a good leader would also mean you have to be a good follower. Although it can be cliché, these motivational phrases about leadership are not without basis.

Above all, leaders are also not afraid to make mistakes, show weakness and ask for advice. The Peterson Group is more than welcome to provide assistance to our first time leaders who struggle to keep their calm and cool in front of their subordinates. As a human development company and leadership consultants, we understand the pressure you are in. We have asked the help of expert professionals and long-time leaders in different respective fields for the best advice they can give for first time leaders and aspiring ones.

1.Be More Transparent

“It does not mean that you have to reveal even confidential and personal matters to your subordinates”, says Fred Winchester, manager of Mist Human Development in Jakarta, Indonesia. “You just have to be honest about the rules and regulations, the policies, the real objective of your organization,” He added. “Above all, let them understand their obligations and be honest on their success and failures as well as the problems and issues that concern them”.

2.Don’t be Afraid of the Truth

While you are being transparent to them, you should also give them a chance to be transparent to you. Know their thoughts, hear their complaints and never be afraid if there are some negative opinions about you. Be willing to know the truth especially if it involves your leadership skills, your products and/or services and your people. If there are any issues that emerge because of this, address it and move on.

3.Be human

In a review of psychological behaviors of leaders, managers and supervisors, there is a great shift in stress and pressure. These factors may result to or are caused by the need to impress and surpass expectations. With this, leaders gradually become numb in their emotions leading to depression. They become strict and imposing and may be tagged as inconsiderate. A good leader should always consider the essentials around him as well as his people.

4.Surround yourself with smart people

Leadership is a continuous process just like learning. You can never learn when you are the smartest among your peers. Great leaders give room to innovation and growth.