How to Be Fantastic Leader

How To Be a Fantastic Leader: 

There are many aspects to being an effective leader. Here are some tips that can help you grow to be a leader everyone loves. 

1. Be Responsible

It is frustrating when leaders wait until the last minute to arrange an activity or the layout of an event. Yes, sometimes last minute arrangements do work out, but not always. Not everyone likes last minute (very few do) and it can get frustrating. 

2. Respect Others and Their Roles

You have a job to do, so does everyone else involved. A lot of people want to prepare before a big event and one can't if they have to rely on the leader to do their part first. 

3. Involve The Other Members of The Team

Have you ever heard the saying "There is no I in the word team? That is so true. Being a leader doesn't mean only your thoughts and ideas are implemented. Ask others too for their input. If they get mad because their ideas are never chosen, that's on them. People should be allowed to give input. 

4. Give Everyone a Role

Even if you have to make up a role for someone, do it. Let them feel like they are a valid member of the team. Everyone wants to feel valued. They want to feel like they matter. 

5. Ask Everyone About Their Day (or week or weekend.) 

Get to know your team. What are their hobbies? What do they like to do for fun? What is their job? What is their passion? Ask, document, then follow up. 

"I've been working on painting my airplane. I'm having a little trouble, but I have an idea I'm going to try." 

Follow up: "Last we spoke, you said you were working on your airplane and an idea you had, how did that work out?"

6. Compliment Efforts If Possible 

Everyone likes to know they are on the right track in a common project. Sandwich criticism you might have. 

"I really like how you're trying to be effective part of this team. You seem to be really trying to (whatever fits the person's role.) Do you think if you did (add here) it might (whatever you want improved.) 

In the last art class we were in, the teacher emphasized a lot ideas she likes to do, in case we were interested also in doing that technique. She wasn't expecting our designs to look exactly like hers, but at least our interpretation of what she was saying.