Seven Ways to Be a Better Leader

When you hear the word “leader,” what comes to mind? Do you picture someone who knows it all and has a lot of authority? While many leaders have big titles and influence, becoming a strong leader is about so much more. . It’s about how you show up for the people you serve. It’s about making a positive impact with your influence and responsibility.

If you’re on a quest to be a better leader, I encourage you to open yourself up to growth. Life offers constant opportunities for self-improvement.

From my personal experience, here are seven ways to reawaken the purpose God has given you to be a better leader.

1. Lead with Purpose

Leading with purpose is all about aligning with your God-given gifts. Stay true to your genuine purpose and you will make meaningful improvement in the lives of those you lead. Your role then becomes a force for good.

Think about this, if you looked up to someone who was in their position only for the authority, power and material gains, would you want to work under them? When you keep your purpose at the center of your work, people will see how much you genuinely care and are more likely to follow you.

If you’re struggling to align your work with your God-given purpose, ask yourself what you enjoy most about what you do. Is it team collaboration? Is it one-on-one mentoring? Whatever it is, lean into it and you will lead with greater confidence and satisfaction.

2. Listen When it Matters

In leadership, you must step back and listen. Provide a space for your people to be seen, heard and understood. When you do this, you show your team they are valued members whose contributions you trust and respect.

This involves being fully present in all your conversations-listen when it matters. Whether it’s one-on-one or a group conversation, you can gain invaluable ideas or unique perspectives just from opening up the floor. Maybe it’s a bold idea from the quietest voice. Or a creative solution to a problem that’s been nagging at you. Tune out distractions to listen to your team when they need you, without interruptions.

3. Serve Others First

It may seem counterintuitive to serve others first, but it makes you a stronger leader.. If you make it your mission to provide your team with everything they need to be efficient, effective and resourceful, they will thrive. And when your team thrives, you set yourself and everyone around you up for success.

Ask yourself, “how can I make things better for those around me?”. Serving your team could be anything from providing additional resources, to removing unnecessary roadblocks or simply providing daily encouragement. Work on how you can provide what your team needs. It doesn’t matter if you can’t make everything happen at once, you will gain respect if they know you’re doing your best.

4. Be Courageously Honest

Honesty is an essential part of being a good leader. I say ‘courageously honest’ because it’s not just about telling the truth. It’s about being fully transparent, even if it forces you into uncomfortable conversations. You’re not a leader to win approval, but to set a standard others can rely on. Whether you’re a top-level executive or mid-level team lead, full honesty builds a positive work culture. 

Now being honest doesn’t mean you have to tell your team about every high level decision you make. It’s about being transparent about anything that directly affects your people and their work life. People will respect you more, when they know your word is true.

5. Stay Curious

The best leaders understand they’ll never know it all. Processes, technology and opinions evolve constantly and there is always something to learn. Lean into seeking feedback, listening to ideas and asking questions. Every opportunity to grow will only strengthen you as a leader.

A curious and growth-focused mindset makes you adaptable to new challenges. Plus, if you model humility and curiosity, you improve and inspire those around you.

6. Lead by Example

It’s no secret that actions speak louder than words. If you want to become a better leader, reflect on the characteristics that match your values. Actively work on bringing these characteristics into your work and your people will see what you stand for. If you’ve built a team that aligns with your values, they will ultimately follow your lead. 

Think of it this way, would you want to follow a leader like yourself? If the answer is no, then you have some self-reflection to do. Be the kind of leader that you would want to work for.

7. Empower Others

Great leaders not only create a good work environment, but also empower others to strive for more. They’re positive, uplifting, confidence-boosters. Remember, part of your role is to help others empowered to make their own decisions, problem-solve and provide ideas.

Practically, you must trust your team to try new things. Give them the space to grow, the time to make mistakes, and always celebrate their successes. By doing this, you nurture their god-given potential, and fulfil your own.

Final Reflections

Becoming a better leader takes practice and patience. If part of your life’s purpose is to lead, the path to improving is a lifelong commitment. Show up daily with an open heart and mind to be better as each day passes.

With this in mind, I encourage you to reflect on these seven areas. Perhaps just one resonates with you right now and that’s okay. Dedicate the time to improve in one area, it’s better than none at all.

If you would like to discover more about your leadership style, take the leadership quiz and uncover insights to guide your journey.