Have you ever had the privilege of working for a fantastic boss? If so, they likely had stellar management skills. You can probably recall what inspired you to work with them. If you're aiming to be an adept administrator, there are certain approaches worth honing. Here are seven ways to employ your strengths to be an effective leader.

1. Be a crackerjack communicator

This involves both concise speaking and attentive listening.
• Speaking - Try to convey instructions succinctly. If you're long-winded and wordy, you'll quickly lose your audience. Endeavor to keep staff in the loop of company matters. This promotes a sense of teamwork.
• Listening - Hear your staff out and try to understand them. You'll gain their cooperation. If you show empathy and genuine concern, you'll garner employee loyalty.

2. Meet briefly

Meandering meetings waste valuable time. Before calling a caucus, draw up an agenda and distribute it to prospective attendees. This gives your staff time to consider ideas in advance.

Start and end meetings on time. Practice using as few words as possible to get your thoughts across. One way to keep a meeting interesting is to punctuate ideas with personal stories.

3. Offer recognition and rewards

When employees feel appreciated, they're more willing to go the extra mile. They also perform better within the realm of their responsibilities. Try to create an environment where employees feel valued. Here are five cost-effective ways to acknowledge excellent performance:
• Hold a pizza party in an employee's honor.
• Allot compensatory time.
• Provide gift cards.
• Award a cash bonus.
• Treat the team to a parking lot barbecue.

4. Get your hands dirty

When you get involved in grunt work, you demonstrate that small efforts count. You play a supportive role, one that shows humility. Take part in team tasks, especially during emergencies. You'll become more aware of the challenges your staff encounters. Your co-workers will respect you all the more. Here are ways you can roll up your sleeves, and lend a helping hand:
• Serve coffee.
• File documents.
• Make copies.
• Unpack supplies.
• Set up equipment.
• Clean up after meetings.

5. Find a mentor

Connect with people who have the experience you seek or qualities you wish to develop. Cultivate friendships and alliances at work with people who can serve as role models. Seek the advice of senior-level staff. Canvass other managers for new ideas.

Take advantage of opportunities to expand your network and perspective. Join trade organizations and attend their meetings. Participate in field seminars and conferences.

6. Know how to douse fires

Strong leaders are experts in conflict management. Weak supervisors look the other way. A wise policy is to praise in public and address problems privately. Don't put off dealing with employee issues. The longer you wait to address them, the more heated they can become. A festering fire smolders productivity.

7. Train

Earning a master's degree in leadership pays huge dividends. Upon graduating, you'll be proficient in project management, problem-solving, motivating employees, and promoting collaboration. You'll play a powerful role in helping your company achieve its goals.

Pursuing a master's in leadership online offers these benefits:

• convenience
• time management
• facilitated communication
• cost-savings


Light up Your Workplace

Be the type of boss your staff is always glad to see. Make working with you a privilege by being a crackerjack communicator, meeting briefly, offering recognition and rewards, getting your hands dirty, finding a mentor, knowing how to douse fires, and training. You've got what it takes to be a great leader!