Wikipedia defines a supportive leader as a leader who “supports their subordinates with tools and resources until they have the skills to work autonomously” or independently. These leaders have high standards and focus on alleviating any unnecessary barriers. If you are wondering how they achieved their success, well, wonder no more. The following tips are some that can help you garner your success as a supportive leader.
Give Back — Each One, Reach One
Simply put, there is no need to learn from the school of hard knocks. Be committed to share what you learn by teaching/training/mentoring those newer leaders, as well as your employees, so that they don’t have to graduate from your alma mater.
The actual self-explanatory quote from Mark Victor Hansen (Author of the Chicken Soup series) is “Each one, reach one. Each one, teach one. Until all are taught”. This quote is symbolic of a supportive leadership style. In other words, share your knowledge.
Encourage, Prepare and Be There
As a leader, you are likely used to wearing many “hats”, indicative of the role you have at a particular time. Sometimes, you have to be the parent, coach, teacher, or mentor. Regardless of the role and external circumstances, try to be encouraging. A kind word goes a long way. It builds trust, inspires motivation, and can alter someone’s ill-garnered perceptions.
And, sometimes, as a leader you have to do some “handholding”, literally and figuratively. You won’t always know what a person is going through. They might need guidance as to policy and procedures. They might need a verbal concurrence that actions are going as they should be. They might need on-the-job training or just-in-time training to help navigate complexities. However, by being there in the moment, you will find that the employee gains confidence and feels empowered to act.
Listen and Learn
At times, new leaders and employees may just want someone to listen to them, to hear them out or allow them to ask questions. Be that supportive leader who builds relationships and trust. Listen and you will find you will be listened to.
As our world keeps evolving, keeping up can be difficult for the senior leaders. Many supportive leaders were jettisoned into the tech age with the help of employees and others. That’s because learning is a reciprocal process, a win-win for both leaders and employees.
Do you have a supportive leadership style? If not, embrace these tips. Be committed, be confident and watch as your employees emulate your style and begin to own their own problems and solutions.
(Image courtesy of Microsoft 365 stock image/icon)
After retiring from the Federal Government, Sandra Hill launched her business – New Horizen Coaching & Professional Growth Advancement. She has a passion for coaching (life, business, and career), helping those who seek to build their confidence while facilitating transitions in their personal or professional life. Sandra is a best-selling author, podcast host and writes career coaching articles for Forbes and other industry magazines.
Fulfilling her personal mantra, “Each one Reach one”, Sandra also volunteers with several non-profits and serves as a mentor and partner with local schools.
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