For the most part, being a leader is about dealing with people. That means leaders must be able to adjust to every personality type there is in their team to bring out the best output and build strong organizations.
Bryan Adams shared in Inc. :“Our workplaces are more diverse than ever before. They are home to a collective of individuals with their own experiences, beliefs, ideas, positives and negatives. The best managers get the best out of their teams by motivating them, inspiring them and encouraging them to explore and grow.”
Leading a group of individuals with varying personalities is no easy task. If you think you already know your team because you know their hobbies or the names of their pets, think again.
To be able to lead effectively, here are some tips:
1. Develop a culture of respect
Respect is a basic human aspect that sometimes people forget. Leaders must be sensitive enough to know what their team members might find offensive or not. No matter how the team members’ personality types vary, developing a culture of respect within the organization goes beyond differences.
If leaders have introverts in the team, Dr. Gia Sison who specializes in occupational medicine advises leaders to respect their team members’ need for a time and space to be alone.
“Pressuring them to socialize will not help them grow,” she says, emphasizing that leaders should appreciate how these team members have the ability to focus intensely on tasks.
It is important to acknowledge that every team member has something he or she prefers in the workplace. That is not to say that the organization has to adjust to each person’s preference. But it is helpful to know the kind of working environment and management style that works for each of your team members. This way leaders can harness the best in each one.
2. Recognize their efforts
To boost the team’s confidence, a leader shouldn’t forget to appreciate and give positive feedback.
“Great leaders with loyal followers don't need the glory or seek validation; they understand what they've achieved. They shine the spotlight on others, then stand back and celebrate their accomplishments, which helps boost the confidence and trust of others,” writes Marcel Schwantes in this Inc. piece.
So give people the credit they deserve. It will surely go a long way.
3. Engage them
Leaders may find it easy to engage extroverts because they are usually the outspoken ones. But when leaders realize that they are dominating the discussion, it is important to direct the conversation to the meeting’s goals.
As for the introverts, they might find it hard to initiate conversations. To bring out their ideas, Dr. Sison says, “It’s really just including them in your conversations. If you have a meeting, getting their opinion will matter much to them.”
To engage is crucial because leaders have this responsibility to bring out the best in people. And at the end of the day, leaders are only as good as their teams.
Source Inc-asean
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