Blog

How to thrive in a leadership role

13 Nov 2024

Every ship needs a captain to help the crew navigate stormy seas as well as calm waters. Strong leaders are vital in business, especially when working life isn’t always plain sailing. Here, Julie Graham, CEO of employment services at Ingeus, shares what she thinks makes a great leader – and how to transition to a top job.

Be yourself

Good leaders shouldn’t have to put on a show for anyone or pretend to be anything they’re not. I strongly believe in authentic leadership – you need to be self-aware and be yourself, be transparent, build trust and demonstrate integrity. 

Be present

Don’t be unattainable and aloof, tucked away in your mysterious ivory tower. Make sure you’re not invisible to colleagues on the front line. A good leader should be a reassuring presence, not a disappearing act. Willingness to put the time in and lead by example is crucial to earning your team’s respect.  

Communicate

The ability to communicate with people from all walks of life is an essential leadership skill. Be approachable, be ready to listen, and respond swiftly to any concerns. If changes are afoot, don’t let the rumour mill get out of hand. Keep staff informed of any new direction and ensure they understand what is required of them.
Get to know how different departments operate and the sort of challenges staff might be facing. Consider how processes can be adapted to help things run more smoothly. If there’s any aspect of the job that you’re rusty on, swot up! I believe one of the most important skills to develop as a leader is influence. You need to bring people along with you on the journey, even when they are not under your managerial control.

Adapt and evolve

A good leader should be well-organised and able to deal with the day-to-day running of their area. However, we lead in constantly changing times, and sometimes things happen that are outside our control. Accept there are some things that you have no power over, but you can control how you respond to these events. Such challenges, difficult though they may be, present a learning opportunity. Be ready to adapt and evolve in times of uncertainty, and you’ll provide stability and reassurance to your colleagues. I was proud of how management teams at Ingeus responded to the Covid pandemic, holding regular online meetings to boost morale and ensure nobody felt isolated while working from home.

Level up

You may be nowhere near a leadership role at present, but situations can change rapidly. Level up your skills to ensure you’re not at risk of stagnating. An employee who has worked their way up the ranks is arguably in a stronger position to lead a business than a newcomer jumping straight into the top job. Apply for that promotion, even if you’re not sure you’re the right fit. Put your head above the parapet and show you have the ambition to succeed. Any opportunity to upskill is also always worth taking. Keep an eye out for any courses or qualifications that can enhance your CV. If the company isn’t offering any additional training in-house, be proactive and look for relevant courses on professional platforms. You need to take accountability for your own leadership journey. Don’t wait for anyone else to push you to develop and grow.

Create unity

A good leader should be able to bring people together, ensuring everyone feels included and valued. People should be given the opportunity to push out of their comfort zone while also playing to their strengths. This creates job satisfaction and improves morale. At Ingeus, one of our core values is ‘Believe in Everyone’. We know everyone has something positive to offer, no matter their background, and we celebrate the diversity of our teams.

Recognise achievement

Outstanding effort should be acknowledged and rewarded. Recognise the hard work of your staff and they’ll feel valued and appreciated. Celebrate hard work – and have some fun!