Being a great leader isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about creating an environment where people want to show up every day. Whether you’re leading a team of 5 or 50, your ability to inspire, support, and motivate your people will determine your success.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower

One of the best examples of a leader everyone wanted to work for is General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces during World War II. Eisenhower was known for his leadership style that focused on inclusivity, empowering his team, and maintaining calm under pressure. His ability to earn the trust of his diverse team, including military personnel, political leaders, and generals, helped him successfully lead a multi-national force to victory.

Eisenhower’s leadership style was rooted in listening, giving credit to his team, and always staying composed under fire—both literally and figuratively. He understood that leadership wasn’t about dictating; it was about guiding others to achieve their collective goals. People wanted to follow him not because they had to, but because they respected him and trusted his decisions.

1. Communicate with Clarity and Transparency

Effective communication is a cornerstone of great leadership. According to McKinsey, leaders who communicate clearly can significantly improve team performance and engagement. Clear communication helps set expectations, provide feedback, and prevent misunderstandings. When a leader is transparent about the goals, challenges, and vision for the team, it fosters a sense of trust and alignment.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” – James Humes

To implement this, spend 15 minutes each day reviewing your team’s objectives and ensuring every member understands their role in the collective goal. One pitfall to avoid is being vague or inconsistent in your communication, which can cause confusion and frustration within the team.

2. Lead with Empathy

Employees who feel understood are 60% more likely to be productive. Empathy fosters trust and allows leaders to address challenges before they escalate. By leading with empathy, you show that you care about your team’s well-being and are committed to helping them succeed.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

An easy win here is to spend 15 minutes this week having a one-on-one conversation with a team member to ask how they’re feeling about their workload and any challenges they may be facing. However, the challenge lies in not assuming you know what’s best for your team without listening to their unique perspectives.

3. Give Credit, Take Responsibility

Great leaders share the limelight and take responsibility when things go wrong. Employees are more likely to stay and perform well when they know their contributions will be acknowledged. As a leader, it’s essential to praise your team for their achievements and take ownership when things don’t go as planned.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

To put this into practice, spend 15 minutes this week publicly acknowledging a team member’s hard work during a meeting or in an email. One mistake to avoid is hoarding credit or taking all the glory, as this can erode trust and morale within your team.

4. Stay Calm and Composed Under Pressure

Leaders who maintain composure during stressful situations instill confidence in their teams. Research shows that leaders who stay calm under pressure foster better decision-making and problem-solving abilities within their teams.

“The true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis.” – Brian Tracy

To implement this, take 15 minutes before any stressful meeting or decision-making process to practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. The challenge here is to avoid reacting impulsively. Impulsive reactions can create more chaos and signal to your team that you are not in control of the situation.

5. Create a Culture of Growth and Feedback

Employees are more likely to stay with an organization where they feel they are growing. Regular feedback helps individuals improve, align with team objectives, and develop professionally. Leaders who focus on growth foster an environment where people feel empowered to succeed.

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard

An easy win would be to spend 15 minutes giving constructive feedback to one team member this week—focus on both the strengths and areas for growth. One challenge to avoid is only giving feedback during performance reviews. Instead, provide regular, informal feedback to foster a growth mindset across your team.

Resources

• Book Recommendation: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – This book explains how great leaders build trust and create a thriving culture by putting their people first.
• App Recommendation: 15Five – This performance management tool allows you to facilitate weekly check-ins, feedback, and growth conversations with your team, improving communication and engagement.
• Learning Opportunity: The Leadership Challenge – This book by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, dives deep into the five practices of exemplary leadership and how to apply them to inspire your team.

Start Today

This week, take one simple step to enhance your leadership approach:

• Choose one team member and give them detailed, constructive feedback.
• Schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand their challenges and discuss how you can support them.
• Aim to communicate more clearly with your team on your goals and expectations.

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