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Writer's pictureDiana Richardson

79. Leading by example

Updated: Mar 21

How can you build trust with your team and be the best leader within your salon? My journey with leadership started when I was 15 years old and was elected Cheer Captain in High School.


Over the past twenty five years I have been in many leadership positions, one thing I continue to do is further my education. Leadership evolves and it's important to learn current trends and communication methods, I do this by reading books, listening to podcasts, and attending training courses.


A true leader's success comes from their team - are you hitting the targets within your salon, are you and your team winning awards and being featured in the press?


If you are, congratulations! Keep up the good work and continue to grow, develop and achieve positive results.


If you're not achieving the goals you've set, hopefully this blog will give you a little inspiration to reflect and reset to become the best leader you can be!

Leadership is the process of guiding and influencing a group of individuals or an organization toward achieving a common goal or objective. It involves setting a vision, motivating and inspiring others, making important decisions, and taking responsibility for the outcomes.


Effective leadership is essential in various contexts, including business, politics, education, sports, and community organizations.


LEADER

Limitations - Knowing your limitations, what your are good at, enjoy doing and how best to utilise your time. Delegate or outsource the other tasks to free up your time effectively so that you can work on profit producing activities.


Empowerment - Empowering team members by delegating responsibilities and providing them with the autonomy to make decisions within their expertise fosters a sense of ownership and motivation.


Adaptability - Effective leaders can adapt to changing circumstances and navigate through challenges. They are flexible in their approach and willing to adjust strategies as needed.


Decision-Making - Leaders are responsible for making critical decisions. They gather information, analyze options, and make informed choices that align with the organization's goals and values.


Empathy - Leaders understand the needs, concerns, and perspectives of their team members. They show empathy and compassion, which helps build trust and positive relationships.


Respect - Leaders adhere to ethical principles and act with integrity. They take responsibility for their actions and decisions and prioritize the well-being of their team or organization. Leaders address conflicts and disagreements within the team promptly and constructively. They promote a culture of respect and collaboration.

Photo @carrie_bugg_photo


Here are six key aspects and principles of being a strong leader:


1. Vision and Goal Setting: Leaders articulate a clear vision and set achievable goals for their team or organization. This vision provides direction and purpose, motivating individuals to work toward a common objective.


2. Communication: Effective leaders are strong communicators. They listen actively, express their ideas clearly, and ensure that everyone understands the goals and expectations. Open and transparent communication fosters trust and engagement.


3. Leading by Example: Leaders lead by example, demonstrating the values, behaviors, and work ethic they expect from others. This sets the tone for the group and earns respect.


4. Motivation: Leaders inspire and motivate their team members. This can involve recognizing achievements, providing feedback, and offering support and encouragement.


5. Continuous Learning: Great leaders are committed to their personal and professional development. They seek opportunities to learn and grow, staying current with industry trends and best practices.


6. Team Building: Leaders build cohesive and high-performing teams by recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and creating an environment where team members can collaborate effectively.


Leadership styles can vary widely, from authoritarian to democratic, and the most effective style often depends on the situation and the individuals involved.


Successful leaders are adaptable and capable of adjusting their approach to fit the needs of their team and the goals they aim to achieve. In our salon we use the BRIGGS personality test to help us know our team members better and encourage their strengths and best methods to empower them.


Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and influence others positively. Here are five ways to lead by example effectively:


1. Demonstrate integrity:

  • Uphold high ethical standards and be transparent in your actions.

  • Keep your promises and commitments, showing that you can be trusted.

  • Admit your mistakes and take responsibility for them, displaying humility and accountability.


2. Display a strong work ethic:

  • Show dedication and commitment to your work or goals.

  • Be punctual and consistent in your attendance and effort.

  • Go the extra mile when necessary, demonstrating your willingness to put in the hard work.


3. Foster a positive attitude:

  • Maintain a positive and optimistic outlook, even in challenging situations.

  • Encourage a culture of positivity and resilience within your team or organization.

  • Avoid complaining or gossiping and focus on solutions instead of problems.


4. Promote collaboration and teamwork:

  • Collaborate effectively with others, emphasizing cooperation and communication.

  • Encourage inclusivity and diversity within your team or organization.

  • Share credit for successes and take collective responsibility for failures.


5. Continuously learn and grow:

  • Stay committed to personal and professional development.

  • Seek out opportunities for learning and skill improvement.

  • Show a willingness to adapt to change and embrace new ideas.


Leading by example isn't limited to these five points, but they provide a strong foundation for effective leadership. Ultimately, the key is to model the behavior and values you wish to see in your team or organization, inspiring others to follow suit.


Thank you for reading, if this was of value please share ~ Diana

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