If you manage and lead
people as a part of your career, it can be hard to maintain the discipline and
drive it takes to be an effective team leader.
There are many small changes and improvements that you can make to your lifestyle to help you become more productive, attentive and become a better leader in the process. Here are five simple lifestyle changes anyone can make to help them set a better example to their subordinates, and get more done as a team leader.
1- Read a Lot of Books – Knowledge is Power!
It probably seems like
a cliché, but knowledge truly is power. Reading more can help you in a number of ways, and reading any book can help you develop
your vocabulary and confidence so you can explain your ideas and instructions
more clearly.
Reading books on subjects related to people management, self-help, or on the workings of your industry can also help you develop yourself, your skills and your career immeasurably. Studies have also shown that regular reading is a great stress relief and can lead to enhanced cognitive function, and reduces the chances of suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life.
2- Try Not to Talk or Say More Than You Need To
There are many key components to success such as building relationships, learning, and establishing and maintaining connections, and none of these are possible without listening.
If you are talking,
then you are not listening, so make sure you are not spending too much time
listening to the sound of your own voice or waiting for your chance to speak.
You should also try to be sure you are giving the people around you enough
opportunities to have their voices heard. This is true for your personal
relationships as well as professional ones.
Listening is an
important skill for any business, especially one that is customer-facing.
Retrain your brain to make sure you focus on what people are telling you, and
not just on what you are going to say next.
3- Get a Good Night’s Sleep Every Night
Rest is as important
to your wellbeing as food. Getting a good night’s sleep can be the difference
between a good day or week at work, and chaos. Some of the world’s wealthiest
and most successful people prioritize sleep over many other activities, with
both Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk suggesting that good rest is a key to success.
If you suffer from
poor sleep, like if you’re a back sleeper or have an aching back or joints in the
morning, then you should look at what you can do to improve the quality of the
sleep you get at night. If you are fully rested and rejuvenated, you will be a
much more productive member of staff and a better leader for your team.
4- Hit the Gym or the Great Outdoors to Burn Stress as Well as Calories
Physical exercise is
one of the best ways to deal with excess stress, as well as keep your body healthy. Making
regular visits to the gym or going on runs can help you clear your mind and
focus on what is important in both your professional and personal life.
Make sure you are
giving your mind and body a regular workout if you want to be the best leader
you can be. With regular physical exercise, you will become more focused and
have more energy to use when you are leading your team.
Just by using one or
more of these tips you will set yourself on a path to more effective leadership
and being a better leader for you and your team, and teach yourself skills that
will help you progress through your career.
