Five important traits of a leader and the impact of good leadership

1. Ensure that your team members’ achievements are recognised.

This approach, whether done directly or shared with the wider team and organisation, taps into our universal desire for appreciation. When team members feel valued, their wellbeing, sense of belonging, and loyalty thrive. A simple way to achieve this is for leaders to allocate 20 minutes on Friday afternoons to send emails acknowledging everyone who has contributed. Starting the weekend feeling valued encourages staff to return on Monday with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Gratitude truly makes a lasting impact!

2. Are there opportunities for development?

Even without a budget for additional training, consider other ways to support staff growth. Sometimes, offering flexible working options can enable employees to pursue professional or personal development opportunities. At Peridot, we take pride in our evolved and mature working culture, which fosters appreciation for work-life balance. In a post-Covid world we have proven this works, there shouldn’t be blockers in allowing more flexibility for your staff to thrive.

3. Kindness fosters creativity.

When people feel engaged, appreciated, and connected to their senior leaders, they naturally become more open and confident, allowing their creativity to flourish without fear of judgment. Leaders often express a desire for high levels of innovation from their teams, but creating a safe environment where everyone feels heard is essential.

4. Prioritise mental health.

Enhancing wellbeing can feel daunting. Perhaps you can explore the idea that happiness as a life and work skill will give your staff the tools to manage stress and anxiety. Additionally, planned short meditation sessions during the working day can help reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity. These initiatives can underscore your organisation’s commitment to employee wellbeing.

5. How well do you know your team?

Building social bonds within the workplace enhances organisational loyalty. Whether through planned team events or spontaneous lunches, fostering these connections reduces internal competition and promotes cooperation and support among team members.