BY : Peter Economy

Anyone can become a better leader by adopting some simple, but very effective, habits.

Shared: From your friends TechAutoCareers.com® the online resource for the Automotive Sales Consultant

There are a lot of really good leaders out there in the world, but there are relatively few who are truly great. Great leaders are hard to find, but the good news is that any leader can become better and more effective by adopting some simple habits and then putting them to use every day.

I am a huge fan of Jim Collins and his book Good to Great. In my own experience, I have found that doing certain things consistently and well can elevate the results and outcomes that any leader experiences with his or her people and in his or her organization. Give these 10 leadership habits a try, and become the great leader that you're meant to be.

1. Create a culture that is open, trusting, and fun

Be sure to do what you say you are going to do, and to be honest and open with everyone. Encourage your people to make suggestions, to try new approaches to old problems, and to take risks. If someone makes a mistake, encourage your people to learn from it rather than punishing the person.

2. Take the time to meet with and listen to people

Don't put a limit on these meetings--engage your people as much as they want or need.

3. Personally thank employees for doing a good job

Catch people doing things right, and thank them for their good work. Thank them often, in a timely way, and sincerely--one on one, in writing, or both.

4. Teach employees how your company makes and loses money

Ensure that the members of your team know how what they do at work makes money for the company, and how they have an effect on how the company loses money. Encourage your people to do more of the former and less of the latter.

5. Involve your people in decisions

When you involve your people in decisions that have a direct effect on them or their workplace, you will gain their commitment to the resulting solutions.

6. Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work

When your people feel like owners, they will act like owners. Ownership can be symbolic and simple (for example, giving employees business cards), or it can be very real by providing employees with opportunities to earn rewards of company stock or stock options.

7. Provide members of your team with feedback

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Make feedback on the performance of your employees specific and frequent, and then support them in improving it.

8. Reward and promote high performers

Be sure you know who your high performers are, and then reward them for their high performance.

9. Train and encourage those who need help

Every organization has employees who aren't performing as well as their peers. Provide them with additional training, coaching, and attention until they are able to bring their performance up to standard--or above.

10. Celebrate successes

Take time to celebrate the success of your business, your work unit, and the individuals within it. Be fresh and innovative with your ideas, and make it fun and inspiring.

What do you think? Is this something you can benefit from or do you have a few tricks up your sleeve that are just as powerful? Make your voice heard by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to hit the share button if you know others who will find this post useful.

I.C. Collins ~ Author, Educator, Trainer and President: Has One Simple Goal: I believe it is my mission and purpose to remind you, that you are meant to have the best life possible! You were created with intention and purpose and I am here to simply help guide you through your life’s journey.

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