You don’t need a title to lead. In branded merch, you lead every time you earn a client’s confidence and find creative solutions for them. If you manage a team, you can take that impact even further by helping others uncover opportunities and deliver more value to clients.
David Grossman, the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, says the stakes are high. If you put off developing your leadership skills, you risk losing people’s confidence and support. He says you shouldn’t chase every competency imaginable but focus on the skills that matter most now. We share his suggestions in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
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- Lead with gratitude. Grossman says that exceptional leaders consistently acknowledge effort, contribution and progress. Senior leadership creates a culture where employees want to come to work and be at their best, promoting both emotional and physical well-being.
- Listen and empathize. Exceptional leaders listen to understand, not simply to respond, Grossman points out. Senior leaders create environments where individuals feel encouraged to share honest feedback, take risks and be vulnerable in front of one another.
- Foster an inclusive culture. Exceptional leaders understand the unique backgrounds and experiences of employees. He says they lead by example by being accountable, and they focus on building genuine trust.
- Communicate with context. According to Grossman, exceptional leaders explain not just what is happening, but why. They communicate with transparency and act on employee feedback.
- Connect strategy to employee growth. Exceptional leaders help employees understand how their work contributes to larger organizational goals. Grossman says they’re intentional about consistently communicating company strategy. They also involve employees in change so they can feel a part of the transformation.
- Enable employees to meet the moment. Grossman says that exceptional leaders invest in development, resources and opportunities that help employees succeed. They encourage collaboration across the organization and ensure the right people are chosen for the work involved.
Pick an area to improve, like listening more intentionally or recognizing other people’s contributions. Make it part of your daily routine and look for small moments to practice the skill. Those small changes may seem simple, but they can make a noticeable difference in how you show up and lead.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: David Grossman is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group. He’s an award-winning author, keynote speaker and trusted executive coach to the C-suite. He also advises academic institutions on curriculum and programs.
