How to be a better leader in a crazy-making world

BUSINESS

Motivate! Inspire! Lead by example!

Being a leader is tough these days, don’t you think? We’re living in times of rapid change, and things are getting, well… complicated. How then should leaders continue to lead and grow while keeping apace? Here are some trending tips.

1) Advocate accountability

Remote working is hot right now. But while some managers worry workers aren’t doing enough, the opposite can also be true; how do you address both? Making use of social intranets and project management tools like Slack, Trello—even Google docs—can keep everyone accountable. And when you embed accountability into your processes, you protect people from burn out whilst gently encouraging productivity.

2) Live in perpetual beta mode

Good leaders are the product of a never-ending process of personal development. Once you accept that state of perpetual improvement, your ability to adjust in the 21st century comes naturally, explains hbr.org. So fuel yourself with books, events and courses. Seek out mastermind groups. Do whatever you can to keep your thinking, doing and being, fresh.

3) Bring the sunshine

Research shows that when teams focus on solving problems, they become depressed, but when they focus on a positive vision of the future, they develop energy, optimism and commitment. So shift the dialogue from deficits to strengths. Reframe phrases such as “what’s going wrong?” to “what needs to happen?” Model a ”what’s working” mentality.

With the right tools and mindset, you’ll navigate the rich tapestry of modern leadership with much greater confidence.

PRINT 101

Bleeds

Bleed describes a document where the images and elements touch the edge of the page. This is done to make sure that they extend to the finished edge of the page once it is trimmed in the bindery. The bleed is why an image’s dimensions must exceed the actual finished size.

INSPIRATION

Podcast: Team’s latest pick

Stretch Responsibilities
Are you being pushed outside your confort zone? We’ll talk through what to do when you don’t feel qualified for your new role, you’re covering absentee boss’s responsibilities, or you have been assigned to lead a team but haven’t been given formal power.