1. Master the art of communication

As a potential leader and manager you will create the visions, values and culture, so it’s crucial you know how to communicate with your team.

• Know your audience so you can tailor your communications
• Know what you’re asking, so you can do it clearly
• Know when to listen because listening is the most underrated form of communication
• Keep them looped – anyone left out of the loop becomes disengaged and disgruntled

2. Find a mentor

Look around you, chances are your mentor is hiding in plain sight. They are the person whose professional style you admire, who has similar strengths, skills and values to you and who you feel comfortable with.

3. Be motivated to motivate

To become a more effective manager and leader, you need to help people be at their best. The secret to helping people is knowing what motivates them. Motivated people are happier and more productive.

4. Improve yourself

While you’re taking the time to ensure that your team is comfortable, motivated and on track, remember to take the time to assess yourself from time to time. No-one is perfect and challenges and environments change.

• Think about what you’ve been doing and how effective your methods have been
• Consider the relationship you have with each person on your team as well as your team as a whole
• Learn and develop - always!
   

5. Be organised

Boring but important. It’s difficult to follow someone when they keep getting lost and confused. Be organised. Be calm. Know your systems and trust them otherwise you can’t expect other people to follow them.

6. Remember: there is no 'i' in team

Leaders are members too. You need to be a team player first. Team players and team leaders share a lot.

• Team players are committed to organisational goals, not just individual goals.
• Team players step up when needed.
• Team players always share credit.
• Team players communicate and keep other team members informed.
• Team players adapt quickly and easily.

7. Remember: there is no 'i' in 'TAFE NSW'

From short courses to degrees, from online to face-to-face classes, TAFE NSW has leadership and management courses that will develop your skills in organisational change, managing risk, innovation in business, strategic planning, building emotional intelligence and more.

Study Leadership