Successfully leading a team can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a professional’s career. However, addressing a diverse group can be difficult for new leaders to adjust to. These tips for emerging leaders can help equip professionals to manage effectively.
Communication
While it is one of the most important skills to have, effective communication is an area where many talented professionals falter. Check out these practical tips to bolster your communication skills as a leader.
Clearly Communicate Direction
One problem leaders have is not managing expectations. And this issue can be seen when delegating tasks and responsibilities to employees. Lacking this crucial skill can not only cause an employee to fail at a job, but it can also cause extra work for the team. When assigning a new project to an employee, be thorough in your direction and instruction. Take time to ask questions and allow the worker to inquire further about the project to ensure you and the employee are on the same page. If applicable, create check-ins with your team to see how the project is moving along and to allow further discussion along the way.
Communicate the “Why”
Clearly communicating strategy, values, and purpose is crucial to an organization’s success. However, creating buy-in with employees goes one step further. To build employee engagement, a company’s workforce must know why they are striving for a particular goal or working toward a new sales baseline. Simply telling an employee what they need to do or how they need to do it will only go so far in maximizing production. Explaining the why can help an employee fully understand the role they play in the larger picture, creating next-level importance to simple tasks or complex projects.
Create an Open-Door Policy
There is a delicate balance between undercommunicating and overcommunicating. And while it is important to create boundaries within an office setting, it’s also imperative to create a culture of open communication and comfort between employees and leadership. To help ensure employees feel that their leader is available and interested in their needs, consider creating an open-door policy during specific hours in a workday in which you are available for pop-ins or one-on-one meetings. An employee wants to know they are valued and appreciated, and this will go a long way in achieving that. Pro tip: Be sure to schedule this time and not allow for constant interruptions. It’s important for leaders and employees to maintain some boundaries.
Last Updated on September 11, 2025
