Everyone likes to be liked, especially as a leader. You want people to trust you, look up to you, and enjoy your company. You want people to listen to you, share things with you, and ask for your opinion. But what’s the secret to being a likable leader who gets things done? According to Katie Wake, a presentation coach at Own The Room, a communication skills training company, we like people who are smart but humble. So, how can you accomplish this? The answer is simple... don’t pretend to have all of the answers when you don’t. Instead, ask your audience for help. You could be very talented and knowledgeable in one area, but relatively clueless in another. You can’t possibly know everything, but if you ACT like you do, people won’t take you seriously and/or start resenting your authority. Instead of acting like you know the answer when you really don’t, tap into those who CAN provide some solutions. Think about it: when you solve a problem, you feel good about it. You feel proud and accomplished. Solving problems is satisfying, and because it makes you feel good, you want to solve more problems. If you can tap into this need, everyone is happy. The problem gets solved, and your team or audience feels valued and successful. As a result, you’re more appreciated as a leader. “Give your audience something meaty to do,” said Wake. “and then you have them eating out of the palm of your hand.” Being a likable leader isn’t as hard as you might think. Successful leaders don’t act like they know everything when they don’t. Instead, they tap into the people around them for help. They include people in the problems they are trying to solve.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.