In a recent article on Forbes, Michael McFall, the co-founder and co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE, shared insights on leadership effectiveness. Many leaders believe they are doing a great job but may be missing the mark when it comes to communication, recognition, and support for their teams. Surveys have shown discrepancies between managers’ perceptions of their leadership skills and their employees’ views. While most managers believe they are addressing mental health and maintaining open communication with their teams, not all employees agree.
To determine if you are truly leading well, McFall outlined five tests for leaders to consider. The first test is being transparent about your shortcomings as a leader. Acknowledging your imperfections and vulnerabilities can help build trust within your team. Trust and transparency were identified as critical elements for organizational success by a Deloitte analysis, yet only 21% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they trust their company’s leadership.
The second test involves inviting and rewarding genuine feedback from your team. While feedback is valuable for improving performance, many leaders struggle to receive feedback openly and positively. Creating a culture where honest feedback is valued can lead to continuous improvement and growth within the organization. Expressing gratitude for feedback received is the third test for effective leadership.
Recognizing the vulnerability required for individuals to provide constructive feedback, showing appreciation for their input can encourage a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, leaders should see their team as their best mentors. While external mentors can provide valuable insights, the team members have unique perspectives on organizational dynamics and industry trends that can be beneficial for leadership development.
Finally, McFall emphasized the importance of investing in your people’s success. Leadership should be focused on supporting and developing the team members to achieve their full potential. Providing timely feedback, public recognition, private praise, and personalized coaching can help demonstrate your commitment to your team’s success. By engaging in an interconnected improvement cycle with your team, you can elevate both individuals and the organization as a whole.
In conclusion, effective leadership is not just about believing you are doing a good job but actively engaging with your team, seeking feedback, and investing in their growth and success. By being transparent about your shortcomings, valuing genuine feedback, expressing gratitude, learning from your team, and prioritizing their success, you can build trust, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ultimately drive long-term success for your organization.
