It is often that many people quit their current position in a company because they don’t like their toxic boss. Toxicity in leadership can be in many forms such as power hungry, self-centered, being unavailable for guidance or help, micromanaging, etc. Toxic supervisors make people under them not only uncomfortable but also unsafe. Therefore, it is important to develop the element of selflessness into leadership especially in business industry where humility is viewed as less important thing.
Develop selflessness in leading a team
Selfish leaders will mostly think about themselves rather than their team they manage. It results in negative outcomes such as decreased engagement, increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and many more. Meanwhile, selfless leaders are the opposite. However, it is not easy to develop selflessness in leading a team. So here are some practices to help you become a selfless leader:
Guide your employees
It is not enough to just point your teams in the direction you want and neglect them. As a leader, your responsibility is to guide them not only giving them particular tasks. When you guide them through the process, you show them that you care for them to succeed. You will be more appreciated by your team for what you do. Going extra mile to help your team won’t make you a weak leader but the opposite.
However, keep in mind that it is different from being overbearing or micromanaging. The point of being a guidance is to make yourself available and accessible for your team. Practice this with clear communication and encouragement. This will be a win-win for both you and your team.
Practice positive attitude
Attitude is crucial in leadership because it is infectious and contagious. Hence, always set positive tone to make sure your teams follow you as their good example or role model. Make sure that you practice positive attitude far from being fake. Show your authenticity and sincerity by emphasizing your team’s mental and emotional well-being. Encourage your team to develop healthy habits to find work-life balance. Give them example how you incorporate healthy habits into your daily life.
Give back through selfless acts of service
Many employees think they company only take and take from them without giving back any in return. Remove his misconception by giving back through selfless acts of service. It doesn’t have to be something grand. You can simply surprise them with morning donuts or let your team go home one hour early without cutting their pay. You can set an example of how to practice random acts of kindness to encourage your team to do so to each other.
Encourage the team’s self-growth
Great leaders will focus both on their well being and that of others. They put their best effort to encourage growth in others. It is because a selfless leaders see investment in someone else’s growth as mutually beneficial. Hence, they won’t hesitate to take time helping others, showing appreciation, and celebrating small or big success.