There are many things that dictate what a leader should or shouldn’t do. “Leading by example”, “walk the talk” and “do as I say, not as I do” they only scratch the surface.
For positive leadership to take effect, leaders have to build a remarkable skill set that helps them understand, lead and guide their teams.
Leadership is different from management. Managers have to follow a code of conduct, manage activities and people while leaders have to help their teams grow. Their role involves a more elaborate group of skills like communication and problem-solving.
Understand the meaning of positive leadership and the positive qualities of a leader to become someone your team can look up to—and learn from.
The Power Of Positive Leadership
Why you lead is a lot more important than how you do it. You have to lead for the right reasons—with an ethical approach. This is where positive leadership comes in. Not only does it help you create an enriching work environment but also builds trust among teams.
Some of the most inspiring leaders—like Ratan Tata—led with a message of peace, equality and cooperation. It’s easy to recognize that positive leadership skills transform organizational goals into successes.
Here are some advantages of developing positive leadership skills:
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You can make sure that your team trusts you enough to follow and grow with you
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Set achievable goals in collaboration with your team
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Persuade others positively and encourage them to work toward a larger organizational objective
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Drive a culture that’s inspired, motivated and persistent, giving way to creativity and innovation
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Create teams that believe in each other and feel connected, which is especially helpful when faced with challenges
A positive leadership style will bring you closer to the people you’re working with. It’s important to build that level of connection that unites everyone. Only then can you practice teamwork, navigate conflicts and do what teams do.
Harappa 3 Ps Template
We’ve answered the question of “why is positive leadership important?”, now let’s look at what you need to do to become a positive leader.
The Harappa 3Ps Template defines three things you have to focus on when leading teams. The power of positive leadership is reflected in the way you manage teams. It’s no longer enough to give directions and roll-out orders to be followed. The new workplace is all about boundaryless management and functioning. To lead, you have to listen to your employees, understand them and then work together to come up with viable solutions.
Here are the three forms of leadership defined by the Harappa 3Ps Template:
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Problem-solving Leadership
Problem-solving leadership is about asking the right questions, as opposed to giving answers. A positive leader encourages discussion and only guides their team’s thinking. For instance, if one of your projects is running behind schedule, you should first ask and assess the reasons before reprimanding someone. This way you’ll find better solutions to problems. A sound solution is one that’s been developed after multiple trials. If one person is taking the lead on problem-solving, the solution may not work for others on the team.
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People Leadership
People leadership is about helping others on your team grow into the best versions of themselves. Every member of your team brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the table. They each possess a different work style that you, as a leader, need to understand and adapt to. As their leader, you have to motivate them and also know what they need to improve their performance.
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Personal Leadership
Personal leadership also means being a role model i.e., the best version of yourself. Before you can lead others, you have to lead yourself. This form of leadership comprises self-awareness, courage and optimism. You’ll learn how to tackle challenges, deal with different people and develop patience. People who are in leadership roles may not even consider receiving feedback for their work. But there’s a learning curve to everything—even if you have years of experience under your belt. Request for feedback from your employees to identify areas of improvement.
With these three aspects of positive leadership, you’ll find that leading others is much simpler when you’re thinking about establishing a cohesive unit. To achieve goals that belong to everyone, you have to learn to work with them. You may be in a senior role, but leadership has little to do with authority or rank. It’s about trust, respect and interpersonal relationships.
Harappa’s Managing Teamwork will teach you how you can manage and lead teams effectively. From learning how to navigate conflict to leading positively, you’ll become a key leader in your organization. Learn about team culture and how to work with others using emotional intelligence. Become an everyperson—someone your team can rely on for guidance and mentorship.
Explore topics such as Functions of Management, What is Teamwork, Delegation of Authority, The Difference Between Leadership and Management & Strategic Management and develop skills to become a reliable leader.