1. Supply the tools your employees need to succeed.

Every person and employee has a different work style. Some are best given little instructions and others need a detailed description of how to best accomplish their job. A leaders job is to give these employees the tools they need to succeed. If your employee is best left on their own, do so. If they thrive best with hours of coaching, do so. You should be a support system for your employee for the entirety of their employment. Make yourself approachable so that they can feel comfortable asking questions when they need leadership.

2. Show appreciation.

The easiest thing leaders forget is to show appreciation to their employees. 63% of workers believe that they aren’t recognized enough for their achievements. A simple “good job” can go a long way to make your employees more productive and stay with your business. 

3. Set an example.

Great leaders lead by example. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” If you aren’t putting in the work, why would your employees? Leaders should be the most passionate and dedicated to their work, you’re leading the team. When they see that they will be motivated to match your energy and efforts.

4. Listen to their needs.

Good leaders listen to their employees, this allows them to understand their employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas they need growth. This can also help you identify the best leadership style for them. When a leader doesn’t listen they get disconnected from their employees and can miss signs of unhappy employees or places that could be more efficient in the workplace.

5. Display confidence.

Confident leaders create confident workers. Leadership relies on confidence, know your strengths so your employees see you as a strong, trustworthy leader.

6. Trust your team and let them know.

Exactly how you display confidence in yourself, show confidence in your team’s abilities. Showing this trust will help them to feel both empowered and valued. When employees feel valued they will perform better and more confidently in their roles. Creating a team you can trust is vital to the health of your business and will make your workload easier long term because you won’t be worried about your employees getting the job done.

7. Make confident decisions.

Making hard decisions is an important part of leadership, it’s the job no one wants to do. Leaders often have to make unpopular choices, but having a good rationale behind them to create confidence in yourself and confidence in your team will sharpen your decision-making skills.

8. Be Optimistic

Be optimistic, it’s contagious. If you radiate positivity and encouragement your employees will naturally become happier to work with you and also look forward to the best possible outcome for their workday.

9. Create a Productive Workspace.

Let employees know first and foremost that negative comments and interactions will not be tolerated. The workplace is intended to be a safe, creative and encouraging place for you to work hard for the best results. This is a place where coworkers uplift and help, not discourage.