A great deal of the time being a good leader is as much about perception as reality. How you present yourself and how you react to what’s thrown at you will determine whether or not those around you look your way for leadership.
Here are a few things you can do to look like you’re the one to turn to:
#1: Stay Calm
When surprises or disappointments arise, do not fly into a panic. Those who follow you need to feel like you have the situation in hand at all times so that they can have the confidence to do their best.
#2: Speak Authoritatively
...but don’t fake knowledge you don’t have. It’s not always easy to sound like you know what you mean without “making things up” along the way, but it’s never a good idea to try to make up answers you don’t have. Being honest, offering to find those answers you don’t have and sharing what you do know will prove your trustworthiness.
#3: Stay Calm
When dealing with struggling employees (or difficult clients), do not raise your voice or make threats or sling insults. Not only does a calm demeanor help keep everyone else calm and respectful, but it also keeps you from looking like you’ve lost control. Insulting or yelling at others only ever makes you look bad, no matter how “justified” you feel.
#4: Do not fight criticism
Know your worth and stand strong in it. When someone criticizes you or your decisions, listen thoughtfully, stand up for what you believe is right and learn from what might be wrong. Automatically arguing with criticism makes you appear insecure, which undermines your authority.
#5: Stay Calm
Know your mission and your values and do not make snap decisions when things start to heat up.
Are you sensing a pattern here? Good leaders keep their cool because they know their worth and their goals. Practice speaking in a calm voice, even when you don’t feel calm and learn to stop and think before anything comes out of your mouth – especially in high stress situations. If you can remain the calm in the storm, you will be looked to as a leader, no matter how you actually feel inside.
