Leadership is not only a skill, it’s an art. It takes practice, patience and perseverance. If you’ve committed to working hard and realized what it takes to be a leader, you will become a great one. Businesses need good leaders in order to ensure the success and growth of the business. Successful leaders are able to motivate and inspire others to make a positive impact through sharing ideas and inspiration. Here are the top five lessons I’ve learned about leading.

  • Team Work

The biggest factor that I stress within the workplace is teamwork. Many people don’t realize that teamwork is essential in a successful business. A lot of leaders tend to get too caught up in their work, and forget that they have a team of people who are focused on the same goals and objectives as you are. A true leader never forgets about their team mates. A leader tends to refer their projects as “we” and not “I”. Establishing a team oriented community will allow members to complete their tasks in their roles, overall establishing a relationship and trust.

  • Encouragement

As Jack Welch once said, “ Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Leadership is like being a mentor within your team. It is important to encourage others within the workplace to establish a relationship in which your team members will learn and grow by speaking their minds. Through encouragement, members are able to learn better through establishing a sense of self-esteem and confidence when they know that they have someone who supports them.

  • Investing In Yourself (and Others)

The most important thing you must do is to constantly invest in yourself, so that you can invest in others. As leaders, we are always learning and growing. Education never ends, therefore it is essential to find a way to invest in yourself. Anything that allows you to learn and practice new things is an investment. Investing in yourself will allow you to invest in those around you. Part of the leadership role is to teach others and help them grow. You’ll be able to pass on information that will be resourceful to others and create an overall community of thriving people.

  • Trust

Trust is an important matter that goes both ways. As a leader, you should trust your members to do their work and come to you with any challenges or problems, but those around you should trust you as well. You can gain others’ trust by always keeping your word and being a transparent person. You will encourage others by doing the same and creating an overall establishment of trust that will lead to success.

  • Listening

Listening is a huge aspect when it comes to establishing a relationship made of trust. People can hear you talk all day, but it’s important to give them a chance to speak their minds that are full with ideas. Listening can also benefit you to think of new ideas and help solve problems. It also shows your that you care. Listening is an essential role that comes with the responsibilities of leadership.