The Leader's Secret Code: A 7 Stage Guide to Boost Your Team Engagement

The head of our local chamber of commerce has this week asked me to put in a proposal for a series of business masterclasses on a range of topics including leadership. That old chestnut! The sexy topic that is the subject of thousands of books, which gives us a clue that there is little consensus about what it actually is and what are the key ingredients…

I really like the most simple version I have ever come across based upon working with Steve Radcliffe a very long time ago: a leader’s job is to envisage a compelling future for the business, engage the team in the purpose of the journey towards that future, and ensure that the accountability is in place to deliver.

Guess what Steve’s first book is entitled. Correct!! Future, Engage, Deliver

What do you think are the most important traits of a great leader?

For a more detailed breakdown than FED, and based upon extensive research of the most commonly used terms in the vast history of leadership literature, I like Ian Mills et al’s The Leader’s Secret Code which expounds finding the correct balance in 7 areas: Control, Resilience, Influence, Communication, Strategy, Empowerment, and Fulfillment.

1. Control: Good leadership involves a degree of control, but it isn't about micromanaging. As a successful leader, it's about providing the tools, guidance, and framework for your team to excel. This creates an environment that allows your team to be autonomous, exercising their creativity and initiative.
2. Resilience: A leader must constantly navigate through unpredictable terrains and deal with challenges. Developing resilience, the capacity to recover and bounce back from difficulties, is key. As a resilient leader, you inspire resilience in your team, too, illustrating that failure is a stepping stone to success.
3. Influence: The power of a leader lies in their ability to influence others positively. By setting an example of integrity, commitment, and dedication, you can encourage your team to emulate these qualities, subsequently cultivating a productive work culture.
4. Communication: Clear communication is the bedrock of any successful team. Encourage open dialogue, actively listen, and foster a culture wherein everyone feels their voice matters. This instils trust and improves collaboration.
5. Strategy: While dealing with day-to-day tasks, leaders must also focus on the bigger picture. Developing and implementing strategic plans will give your team direction, aligning them with the overarching goals of the business.
6. Empowerment: Empowering your team goes beyond delegation. It's about instilling confidence and helping them realize their potentials — ultimately fostering growth and productivity.
7. Fulfilment: As a leader, your aim should also include ensuring your team finds fulfilment in their roles. Recognizing their efforts, cultivating a positive work environment, and facilitating work-life balance contribute towards this.

How does this  7 stage guide compare to your beliefs about leadership?

Which ones do you think you need to develop?

In the Spotlight….What are the challenges of moving from big corporate to running your own business?

What energy savings could you gain from your buildings?

These are two of the questions I explored in our latest Business Spotlight interview, with Chris Norburn Owner/Director of Cantec Energy Solutions, specialists in energy performance management and control.

Chris shares his recommendations on how to ensure we spend the right amount of time working on the business rather than falling into the temptation of being 100% in the business...

And an offer is including for an energy audit for your business..

And Finally……..From the Business Excellence Podcast: Boost Your Reach OVERNIGHT: Gain FOLLOWERS and Brand Awareness with The PR Expert Sabrina Stocker

Join PR and Marketing Expert Sabrina Stocker for an enlightening masterclass on boosting visibility for you and your brand. Learn the critical PR mistakes to avoid that could be harming your business.

Explore strategies for gaining followers, crafting clickbait content, leveraging social media, and securing a spot in Forbes Magazine.

Gain insights from iconic figures like Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, and uncover Sabrina's journey from a viewer of the BBC's Apprentice to starring on the show in 2018.

Sabrina, a former tennis player turned businesswoman and founder of Two Comma PR, leads an agency revolutionizing the world of public relations, transforming every business they touch.

Elevate your PR and Marketing game with Sabrina Stocker, The Business Excellence Podcast, BizX Forum & Awards, and ActionCOACH UK.