Welcome to the Leadership Training Blog for JCI Philippines members; this post on Leadership Skill Training about “Gentle Leadering”.

The popular notion about being a leader is that of being tough and firm. Being strict with a number of rules and policies is often prioritized, and the need to be consistent with displaying authority is thought to be uncompromised. Despite the need to be tough, good leaders never forget to be gentle and forgiving.

No one said it was easy to become a leader, and being both tough and gentle can actually be a challenge especially since it can be quite a confusing and ironic task. There are ways to do both however, and it is said to be all about balance.

A balancing act

Perhaps the best way to learn how to be a gentle leader is to know exactly what being gentle means and how it is important in leadership. Being gentle means that you are able to assert yourself and the things you want to enforce on your people in a manner that isn’t harsh or threatening. You don’t go around screaming like a banshee as you give our orders and you certainly don’t try to frighten your people.

After all, how can you expect your people to function well if they are actually shaking from fear of you? Then again, fear of the boss or the leader isn’t a bad thing but there is a certain level of fear that is considered good and any excess may be considered bad and ineffective in people management.

To know the difference between the two, you must be able to develop a personal relationship with your people but at the same time maintain a distance where it is clear to your people that you mean business and you won’t tolerate any disrespect or mediocrity at work.

Kindness in being gentle

Often, being gentle is displayed with a certain humane quality known as kindness. You are gentle when you are kind and just. You don’t enforce any rule or law that may offend any of your people nor do you go out of your way to make their lives miserable. Be sure that you know where to draw the line of being firm and strict, and that it is merely on a professional level.

It is all about instilling discipline in your people and you must be able to do this without resorting to drastic measures. Remember, you are an effective leader if your people continue to do as they are told despite your absence.

Welcome to the Leadership Training Blog for JCI Philippines members; this post on Leadership Skill Training about “8 Ways to Effective Leadership”.

Prove you can.
To be an effective leader, you must be able to prove that you can, indeed, lead. You are the head of the pack and must be able to prove that you deserve it. Credibility is the mark of an effective leader and if you prove you can deliver by example, you can convince your people that they too, can perform.

Set clear goals.
Be definitive about what you want to happen and what you expect your people to do. Setting clear demarcation lines and set schedules can help you and your team determine your group’s true efficiency. Nothing spells incompetence more than an ambiguous and vague sense of direction.

Encourage others to contribute.
An effective leader knows that the team can’t go far without the contribution of the majority. Harness your people’s skills and abilities and put them to work. Encourage them to have their say. By keeping your process democratic, you’re more likely to promote a happy, open atmosphere that encourages unfettered communication. You are there to lead but your team should also have their part.

Be strict, but fair.
As an effective leader, you must be able to impose the necessary discipline especially during times when it’s called for. Enforce these restrictions but practice fairness. Rules that you have set should apply to everyone in the team, including you.

Practice reason.
People have limitations and every individual has his own specialization. That being said, be reasonable enough about your expectations of what your team can accomplish. It doesn’t mean though, that you shouldn’t encourage them to explore their performance limits. Do everything within reasonable limits, including rewards and reprimands.

Encourage respect, not fear.
Fear can only get you so far but respect can take you a long, long way. Bring out the best in people and make them feel that their contributions are valued. People tend to abandon ship when the going gets tough and their attachment is all about fear. When they see that your leadership is built on respect, they will be willing to work with you to achieve the team’s goals.

Put credit where it is due.
If your team performs excellently and meets the goals you have set successfully, be sure to acknowledge the performance, both privately and publicly. Give rewards if possible and called for.

Offer guidance and support. Otherwise, back off.
Empower your group to perform independently. Micro-managing your team will make you lose precious time and encourage them to be lazy. Give your people enough trust to make them feel you believe in their capabilities and in what they can achieve.

Welcome to the Leadership Training Blog for JCI Philippines members; this post on Leadership Skill Training about “7 Ways To Gain Respect”.

Respect is something most people pursue but don’t always get. Sometimes it’s imposed upon certain individuals by virtue of their birth, circumstance or authority but for the rest of us, respect is something we have to earn. If this is one of your goals, here are ways you can use to gain other people’s respect and improve your leadership:

You sow what you reap.
If you must earn other people’s respect, show them respect. It’s easy for professional and personal relationships to crumble when the foundation isn’t built on mutual respect. If you want to gain respect but don’t want to give it, forget your dream. You can only lead people on for a short while, after which you will have to show that you truly deserve the respect they give you.

Maintain a good set of values.
Despite appearances, people still admire and applaud values. Values stand for what you believe in and what you’re willing to fight for. Strong values indicate strong leadership.

Take responsibility.
If and when things don’t come out the way you planned, don’t be quick to point fingers and place blame. Analyze the events that contributed to the situation and impose corrective action. By rolling up your sleeves and focusing on what can be done, you come across as a take-charge leader, not a small-time snitch.

Be the example.
Be the role model for whatever it is you expect from your people. Start with simple things – come early to work if you want people to do the same or be enthusiastic about projects if you want people to feel the same way.

Show loyalty.
By loyalty, we don’t refer to blind obedience. Loyalty is about nurturing sincerity, honesty and dedication to something, whether it’s a person, a group, an organization or an ideal. Loyalty isn’t about clinging to the ship as it sinks; it’s about sticking around to do your best to help it stay afloat. Even if it does sink, you should at least avoid talking against it.

Acknowledge your weaknesses and mistakes, but move on.
Everybody makes mistakes and when you do, accept that you have, apologize if it’s necessary and then seek to improve yourself. Never dwell on a mistake or weakness because it will only waste your precious time and encourage you to concentrate on your bad points. Not only that, your mistakes and weaknesses will be the only things your team will see.

Appreciate your team’s efforts.
Show your team you appreciate their hard work. It’s part of human nature to want to be acknowledged and made to feel important. Make it a sincere act to give compliments when they’re due.