Leadership Skills That Bring Optimism By Emma Robinson

Emma Robinson is the founder and managing director of Red Diamond Executive Headhunters. Based in Yorkshire, she has almost 20 years of recruitment experience, beginning her career on a graduate trainee programme and climbing the ladder. Having first-hand experience of what it takes to lead a team whilst boosting morale, Emma notes 3 key pieces of advice that will help all entrepreneurs to nail their anxiety-free leadership skills.

Look the part

Showing up with your whole self, both physically and mentally, can make all the difference in beaming self-optimism, which is particularly vital in the current climate as business leaders across the globe navigate video meetings, homeschooling and team management from a distance. 

Despite working from a home office, dressing up and looking the part does wonder and contributes to sounding optimistic and demonstrating optimistic body language. Starting a meeting or call in the right frame of mind can ensure it goes down the right path. 

Ooze Empathy 

The coronavirus pandemic has left many feeling scared, lonely and isolated. As a leader, it’s important to keep these employees in the fold and empathise with them, encouraging them to talk, listening to how they’re feeling, and being by their side. Handled the right way, empathy can be transformed into optimism, which even flourishes into motivation and inspiration. 

It is also crucial for a managing director to lead by example at times like this, so self-empathy and understanding is a great starting point. Don’t give up, listen, and take your own advice – being a managing director can be lonely at times so it’s important to make sure mental matter is in check. If it isn’t – call a friend and tell them a positivity boost is needed!

Have a plan

Planning makes the world go round, yet it’s been somewhat difficult to do this seamlessly during the last few weeks and months, with so much changing so regularly. The trick is to set goals with shorter time frames and work towards achieving each element. Working towards set targets can help to speed up the day and provide a sense of achievement for employees.

A reward for a job well done at the end of a long, difficult day or week can make a huge difference in mental wellbeing too. When goals have been achieved, no matter how small, it’s important to give employees (and yourself!) a pat on the back, whether it be a call to say a personal thank you and well done, an early finish, or a box of chocolates. Sometimes small gestures go a long way and can ultimately mean the difference between an optimistic or pessimistic team.