Your Leadership Shopping List

‘Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift to give the people on your team can be challenging. Oprah Winfrey once said, “It doesn’t matter what the thing is; what matters is how much of yourself goes into the giving, so that when the gift is gone, the spirit of you lingers.” This is especially true for leaders. When you give of yourself you build character and credibility both for you and your organization.
Below are ways you can give this Christmas (or anytime during the year) that won’t put a dent in your budget. 

1. Acknowledge people everyday. A colleague of mine, Wayne Sellers, greets everyone with a handshake each morning. That few minutes he spends encouraging his staff is much more beneficial than one more cup of coffee or answering the emails waiting in his inbox. Too many people to make that work? Divide up by departments and appoint someone to be the morning greeter for each group.

2. Recognize important dates. Birthdays and company anniversaries matter. Add dates to your outlook calendar or palm pilot then set a reminder. Everyone likes to be recognized on their special day. And they will be impressed that you remembered.

3. Include people in decisions that affect their department. Listen to their concerns. Be open to their input. If it directly affects their department and you don’t have their buy in, the decision will most likely be ineffective anyway. Even if it is a mandatory policy, let their voice be heard. Sometimes just venting their feelings is enough to get people on board.

4. Acknowledge their work. Be specific about the things they do well. A simple pat on the back or hand written note can be powerful at building an employee’s professional esteem.

5. Learn more about others.  Their work style, their interest, and their family.  The more you know the easier it will be to lead others based on their individual needs.

6. Surprise them.  Unexpected rewards are great for building morale.  If people finish a project on time and under budget, have Friday jean day or cater in lunch or let everyone leave early one day the next week.

7. Care. Really care.  If someone is having a bad day, ask them what’s wrong.  If a team member has to take medical leave, call to check on them.  When someone loses a loved one, show your condolences.

8. Leave your door open. This radiates an open door policy. When people believe they can come to you with any problems, issues or concerns, you open the door to know exactly what is going on in your organization.

9. Give people creative freedom. A team full of people who problem solve and brainstorm only your ideas will create a stagnate organization. Let them think ‘out of the box’ and watch your organization grow.

10. Be human. Admit when you make a mistake. Laugh at their jokes. Share stories about your family. People need a leader they can relate to.

You may be thinking a few of these ‘gifts’ are obvious. Perhaps you already give several of the ‘gifts’ on this list. Or maybe you found a few new ones for your shopping list. At the core of all of these gifts is you. Whether it is the ten gifts on this list or any of 100 others give you this holiday season – and make it a habit the whole year through.