Bringing out the best in others is the job of a true leader. The amazing thing about bringing out the best in others is that you’re surrounded by people who would be loyal to you and at the same time make your job easier.
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It can be frustrating when people around you aren’t in their best selves. It breeds slow progress and even hostility. It takes time to bring out the best in people who aren’t their best. It’s a process, not a goal. There are times when coworkers,
colleagues and people, in general, might be underperforming and it could get at you. This calls for rethinking ways to make them perform their best.
When trying to bring out the best in people, there are three major questions to ponder on: i.) Why are people not doing what they’re supposed to do? ii.) How can I get them to do what they’re supposed to? iii.) What if the problem is a result of my underperformance as a leader?
In this article, I explore six ways to bring out the best in people.
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Lead By Participating
Leadership is all about influence, no more, no less. When you’re at the forefront of exhibiting excellence, it gives you the right to demand the same and at the same time influences people to emulate you. If you’re always demanding punctuality in the workplace, then it must start from you.
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Treat Everyone Equally
Never play favouritism in the workplace. Favouritism kills the best in others who feel marginalised. Never make an employee look more important than others. Create room for equality. Of course, excellence in the workplace should be rewarded, but no one should be treated as insignificant.
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Build A Connection
Leaders who connect with coworkers and employees often bring out the best in them. Leaders who stand aloof and distant rarely get to motivate others. Let your employees know that you really care about their welfare by walking around and knowing how well they’re doing.
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Do As You Say
This is what’s called fidelity – keeping your words. In order to bring out the best in people, you must be a man of words in the sense that you must also be actively involved in giving your best as you’ve expected of others and also that you’re committed to ensuring that every resolution, commitment and promise made in time past are carried out.
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Apologize When You Go Wrong
Being a leader does not make you immune to imperfections and that is why you must never behave in a manner that can crush the best of your coworkers and employees. Rather than avoid responsibilities for mistakes, own up to them. This gives those around you some sense to always see reasons to give their all in the
workplace.
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Clarify Commitments
One of the best ways towards bringing out the best in others is to clarify job roles, salaries, disciplinary measures, missions, visions, reward systems and work ethics and culture.
Featured Image Source: Bureau Of Labour Statistics
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This article was first published on 31st August 2021
nnaemeka-emmanuel
Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.
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