Practical Leadership

A lot of leadership advice might come across as abstract.

It helps to look at the practical things we can all do today, this week, or this month.

• Check in with your people. If you can, set up a standing meeting with each person individually, either weekly or every two weeks. You might give them standard prompts like: “What did you do last week? What are you planning to do this week? Do you have any problems, issues, or questions?” Use this standing meeting to give positive feedback and motivation.

• Communicate with your people about current and future projects, so they know what is coming. When you are looking at these projects, consider who can do different tasks with their current skills and experience, and who could do more with some training or scaffolding. Plan according to these variables, as well as people’s existing workload. Delegate as much of the project as you can, so you have time for the things only you can do.

• Ask your people for their input and good ideas. Be open to improvements. Validate their contributions and course-correct when they have shown you a better way.

• Reward individuals (bonuses, etc.) when they go above-and-beyond. Reward teams collectively for collective successes.

(image generated using Midjourney)