If you lead a team, you may sometimes find it difficult to find the right balance. How do you challenge your staff without overloading them? And how do you guide them while still giving them autonomy? In short, how can you become a more supportive leader?
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight a post from Dominic Ashley-Timms and Laura Ashley-Timms, bestselling authors and management experts, on 5 traits that make a leader truly supportive. Read on to learn how you can show up in the best possible way for your team.
1. They actively listen. The most supportive leaders are great listeners. Make sure you don’t just hear what your team members say but that you acknowledge it, too. For example, if an employee comes to you with a problem, Laura and Dominic recommend using supportive and empathetic responses like, “I hear what you’re saying. That sounds really difficult. Let’s work together on this.”
2. They ask thought-provoking questions. Dominic and Laura say asking powerful questions is a leadership superpower. It’s a natural extension of actively listening. Try asking insightful questions like, “What would have to change?” or “What would be the ideal outcome?” Asking these kinds of questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.
3. They give appreciative feedback. As soon as you notice an exceptional job, tell your team member. Laura and Dominic recommend being genuine and detailed, focusing on the action or behavior rather than the person. For example, you could say, “What stood out to me about your action was … and here’s the positive impact I noticed …”
4. They celebrate success. Whether you say a few kind words to someone or celebrate a job well done with promo, recognizing success is one of the best ways to be a supportive leader. Dominic and Laura say people who feel valued and recognized will feel less like a “cog in the wheel” and more likely to be productive and driven.
5. They build trust. All the traits above help you build trust, which is the most important element of a manager-employee relationship. Laura and Dominic point out that employees want to trust that their boss cares about their growth and professional development. They also want to know that their boss trusts them to do their best work.
When your team feels supported, your whole organization thrives. Consider working on the traits above, like asking better questions and giving more meaningful feedback. Keep showing up for your team. When they feel seen, heard and supported, they’ll be motivated to do their best.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Dominic Ashley-Timms and Laura Ashley-Timms are the CEO and COO of performance consultancy company Notion, creator of the multi-award-winning STAR® Manager program and co-authors of the management bestseller “The Answer is a Question.”
