30 Fixes for Better Leadership
Leadership isn’t effortless, although it is easy to fall into habits that hinder success. Below is a collection of straightforward, actionable ideas to implement and become a more effective leader.
Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just stepping into a leadership role, these fixes help you identify areas for improvement, boost your team’s morale, and sharpen your skills. It’s a quick guide to enhancing your leadership, one practical solution at a time.
1. Find Time for Meaningful One-on-Ones or Reconsider Your Role
If you can’t make time for regular, individual check-ins with your team to understand their needs, obstacles, and progress, reevaluate how you’re using the word “manager.” Your time must be invested in the people you lead.
2. Roll Up Your Sleeves and Genuinely Help Your Team
Make time to listen, remove obstacles, and praise your team. If you can’t prioritize them, work on your time management skills. If you simply don’t care, consider a career change.
3. Go Out of Your Way to Praise Someone
Thinking someone is doing a good job isn’t enough. Say it. Let the person know they are valued. Authentic praise is part of your job as a leader.
4. Equip Your Team for Success
Your team’s success is your success. Provide the training, resources, and support they need. Promptly remove bureaucratic barriers and address their challenges.
5. Value Your Employees, So They’ll Value Your Customers
If your customers don’t feel valued, you lose. Ensure your team feels appreciated so they can pass that on to your customers.
6. Start Giving a C.R.A.P.
Shockingly, 50–65% of managers don’t care about their team, their organization, or their customers. If you’re in this group, expect poor results. CARE: Care about your team and your mission. RECOGNIZE: Make time for acknowledgment. ACCOUNTABILITY: Hold yourself accountable first. PERSIST: Stick to your principles even when it’s tough. Better leaders give a crap.
7. Your Environment Reflects What You’ve Created
Don’t like your surroundings? Start by changing yourself. Your inner thoughts and external environment are intertwined.
8. Praise Progress, No Matter How Small
Balance addressing mistakes with recognizing wins. Focus on progress and celebrate small victories.
9. Intentions Are Just the Start — Take Action
Good intentions are nice, but results come from action. Turn your plans into reality.
10. Stop Doing Dumb Things
Identify an outdated process that no longer serves its purpose and eliminate it. Celebrate its end to acknowledge its past contributions.
11. Lead People from “A-Ha” to “No-Duh”
When your team rolls their eyes because they’ve internalized what you’ve been teaching, you’ve succeeded.
12. Don’t Be Blinded by Your Own “Truth”
Live authentically, but recognize that others have different realities. Embrace diverse perspectives.
13. Communicate Your Plan Repeatedly
No one can read your mind. Communicate your goals clearly and often.
14. Produce More Than You Consume
Give more than you take. Share your knowledge, time, and skills generously.
15. Simplify Whenever Possible
Replace complexity with clarity. Use infographics instead of lengthy presentations or streamline processes.
16. Work on Yourself, Too
Your efficiency impacts the team. Continuously improve your skills and self-awareness.
17. Align Your Attitude, Appearance, and Approach
Be consistent in how you show up. Confusion undermines trust.
18. Always Have an Objective
Know your purpose in every interaction. Clear objectives lead to better execution.
19. Anticipate the Implications of Your Actions
Thoughtless actions lead to unintended consequences. Balance thinking and doing.
20. Limit Wallowing to Five Minutes or Less
Acknowledge setbacks, but don’t dwell on them. Refocus quickly on your purpose.
21. Run Meetings with a D.A.M.N. Agenda
Meetings are only as good as their structure. Use a clear agenda:
- Dates: Key milestones.
- Actions: Commitments made or needed.
- Motivations: The purpose behind the meeting.
- Names: Attendees and accountable parties.
22. Honor the Processes You Eliminate
When retiring old processes, recognize their past value. Give them a respectful send-off.
23. Make Feedback Fast, Frequent, and Positive
Don’t hold back feedback. Deliver it promptly, often, and constructively.
24. Start Building a High-Performance Team Today
It takes time to create a cohesive, effective team. Begin now by clearly defining success.
25. Culture Is Created by What You Tolerate
Your culture isn’t what’s written on the wall — it’s what behaviors you allow. Be vigilant in upholding your standards.
26. Learn Why People Leave You
Retention is a reflection of your leadership. Find out why people leave and adjust accordingly.
27. Get Better at Setting Goals
Goals aren’t wishes. Make them specific, inspiring, and measurable.
28. Monitor Your Personal Dashboard
Don’t just track team metrics. Measure your progress in areas like health, relationships, and learning.
29. Be The One Who Does Not Panic
Panic is the opposite of leadership. Stay composed, clear, and confident, especially in crises.
30. Measure What Matters Consistently
Track the most critical metrics consistently over time. Use leading indicators to predict success and celebrate progress.
Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders
Even the best leaders can fall into unproductive habits. The good news is that every leadership challenge you face has a solution, and by applying these fixes, you can create a more positive, productive, and engaging work environment.
Effective leaders inspire, uplift, and guide their teams to success. Use these fixes to refine your approach, eliminate what’s not working, and focus on what matters. Start implementing these changes today, and watch as you become a more confident and competent leader.
