5 Ways to be a Better Business Leader

However you got there, your leadership position is vital to the success of your business. As a leader, you are influencing your business in obvious ways. You set the standards, influence office culture, and model what an exemplary worker looks like to other employees. Here are five ways to be better at what you do.

Before we jump in, it's important to address one detail. As you read this, you may not carry an official leadership title, but be assured; no matter what your title is, you are an influencer. It's your choice how you influence. Your decisions and demeanor at work affect everyone around you, so make sure that you are contributing to the vision and direction of your company's 'official' leaders. If you do carry the title, you'll want to make sure that you are a leader worth following. Let's look at five invaluable qualities of leadership.

Get Excited
Your position is awesome! Get excited about it! Excitement is contagious. If you are enthusiastic at work, you'll promote a culture of excitement and passion around your office, and we can all agree that an enthusiastic culture is much more productive than an apathetic one.

Set Goals
A good business leader knows where their company is going. If you don't have clearly defined short and long-term goals, spend some time dreaming some up. Ask yourself what you'd like to accomplish, what resources you'll need to get there, and how you will measure success. Following a leader without vision is like driving a car without gas; the fun will last for a little while, but it will often come to an abrupt halt.

Give Generously
Don't be a scrooge. Whether giving finances or your time, giving opens yourself up to a new level of satisfaction and joy. Research suggests that the greatest benefit of giving is actually credited to the giver, offering a sense of rewarding fulfillment that can't be found in other areas of life. Your employees will also appreciate the fact that you are a giver, and will be inspired to do so themselves.

Work Hard
As a leader, you set the lid. None of your followers will work harder than you do. This isn't to say that you can't infuse some fun into your workday, but it should be clear that none of your employees are putting forth more effort than you are. An effective leader is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the vision and goals of their company.

Be Thankful
A great leader realizes that they didn't get where they are on their own, and that they can't achieve all of their goals independently. Give credit where it's due. Extend gratitude and reward to followers and individuals who contribute to your success. This will go a long way in keeping the members your team around, and helping them feel like they are appreciated and have worth.

Business leadership can be stressful, but if you have a passion for it, your position can be incredibly rewarding. Be a leader worth following. Obviously, there are more ways to become a more effective business leader. What other qualities have you noticed in your leaders and mentors? Let us know in the comments.