The 7 Cs of Effective Communication

Dilbert - Time Management

Leadership 4 Most Important Words - Tom Peters

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Authenticity

By Glenn Llopis,

Authenticity:

Authentic leaders are hard to come by these days.  Many leaders still try to play the game  by wearing their game face – rather than being who they really are and showcasing their authentic selves.  Authenticity breeds productivity and an environment that allows leaders to demonstrate points 1 – 6 mindfully and consistently – every day.

Employees expect leaders to be consistent and when they are not – this is when they begin to pull away and distance themselves. They find it difficult to deliver everything they’ve got out of fear that their leaders will take advantage of them – rather than maximize their full potential like the better leaders would do.

Leaders expect many things from their employees, but they should never forget that they are just as accountable, and that their employees expect specific things from them as well.  The best leaders are able to identify and empathize with their employees, because they remember their own journey and know that they still don’t have all the answers.  What they do know is how to connect the dots to build teams where employees are empowered to reach their full potential.  They know that honesty, respect and authenticity are words to live by – and for those that do they are also words that define great leadership.

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Respect

By Glenn Llopis,

Respect:

There is a distinct difference between recognition and respect.  Recognition explodes and subsides.  Respect reverberates and multiples.   The recognized leader appeals to the head where things are easily forgotten, while the respected leader captivates the heart – and the heart does not forget.

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Accountability

By Glenn Llopis,

Accountability:

Employees expect leaders to be accountable to others as much as themselves.   Too many leaders cut corners, delegate too much and push off problems to others that they should handle themselves.   Leaders that avoid adversity and the accountability that goes with it are those who are trying to protect their reputations – when they should be willing to put their reputations on the line to protect  those they lead.

Accountable leaders are the most respected and admired.   When leaders  protect their employees and  have their backs, they will want to do the same for their leaders.

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Honesty

By Glenn Llopis,

Honesty:

Many leaders tend to tell only half the truth.   While it is understandable that  they may want to hold back the whole truth to avoid the unnecessary chaos and uncertainty that may come with it – employees expect real leaders to be transparent, trustworthy, open up their hearts and lead with kindness.

Leaders that are honest on the frontend avoid creating unnecessary disruption and division in the workplace on the backend.

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Vulnerability

By Glenn Llopis,

Vulnerability:

Leaders don’t have all of the answers, nor should they act as if they do.   Employees respect leaders who are upfront about their shortcomings and aware of their areas for improvement.   You can’t build a highly-functioning team if the people on the team don’t know how to best compensate and contribute in the areas where they are needed the most.

Leaders who are vulnerable show understanding, compassion and empathy. They trust themselves enough to throw their titles out the door and step into the shoes of their employees.   Vulnerable leaders are well-grounded, relatable and not afraid to do the right thing for the betterment of a healthier whole.

7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership - Empowerment

By Glenn Llopis,

Empowerment:

Employees don’t always want to have to ask for permission.  They want to be empowered to make decisions and to learn from their failures.  Employees want leaders that will provide them with the mentoring and wisdom to effectively solve problems and become more independent and productive.

Empowerment is the ticket to being more self-sufficient, entrepreneurial and purposeful at work, and employees are empowered when given the right mentorship.