>> 15 Practical Tips for New & Emerging Leaders

Walter Rodriguez, PhD

In my long academic & industry career, I have met and followed hundreds of CEOs, VPs, and Presidents. And below, I have distilled essential tips:

1. "Front-end-Loading" Relationships: Ron and Tom (both former CEOs of product development and agriculture companies, respectively) scheduled weekly breakfasts with new department heads and old customers. They fostered a positive and inclusive work environment by building solid relationships early inside and outside the company. Building strong relationships with your team members and colleagues breeds trust, respect, and understanding.

2. Lead by example: Indra (CEO of a global product company) had a deep sense of purpose. She discovered her “why” and passion early in her career. And she demonstrated the values and behavior she expected from her team. By being reliable and accountable and showing a solid work ethic, she earned respect and encouraged her team to follow suit.

3. Communicate effectively: Tom (a former start-up CEO) tells me that clear communication is crucial in leadership. And he also had weekly breakfasts with other leading staff members and customers. But you already knew that. During meetings, be transparent about goals, expectations, and challenges. Listen actively to your team members and address their concerns.

4. Empower your team: Tom also encouraged autonomy and empowered his team to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. This fosters a sense of ownership and motivation. Then, ask about their successes and celebrate (share) them with everyone in their organization.

5. Provide constructive feedback: Louis and Alice (a former Dean and a CEO, respectively) in their respective organizations offered feedback regularly, both positive and productive. Celebrate successes and help team members grow by guiding areas for improvement.

6. Set realistic goals: Mark (CEO of a logistics and later on of a training company) established achievable, measurable, and time-bound goals for your team. For instance, he asked: "Could you break down larger objectives into smaller milestones to track progress effectively?"

7. Continuously learn and develop: Every CEO I meet with agrees that investing in your (and your team's) knowledge and leadership growth is valuable. Seek feedback, attend workshops, read books, and learn from experienced mentors to enhance your leadership skills.

8. Stay adaptable: Since the business landscape is constantly changing, I learned early on to be flexible and adaptable in my approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

9. Handle conflicts constructively: An academic leader told me that disputes may arise often. Address them promptly and professionally, seeking resolutions that benefit everyone involved.

10. Celebrate diversity and inclusion: Embrace diversity and create an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued, SAFE, and appreciated for their unique perspectives and contributions. Getting a variety of perspectives helps develop better products and services.

11. Delegate wisely: Learn to delegate tasks effectively based on your team member's strengths and interests. Avoid micromanaging, as it can demotivate and hinder growth.

12. Stay positive and resilient: You'll face challenges and setbacks as a new or emergent leader. Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate resilience in overcoming obstacles.

13. Encourage innovation: James (former and current CEO of accounting firms and consultancies) sees leaders as catalysts, and he demonstrated that innovation could happen even in seemingly boring accounting firms. Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within your team. Encourage new ideas and be open to trying different approaches.

14. Recognize and reward achievements: John, Roger, and Aysegul have an enduring passion for what they do every day. And often acknowledge and reward performance. Once your staff buys into the vision and mission, recognition can be a powerful motivator for your team, sometimes even better than promotions or money.

15. Most notably, take care of yourself, your family, and your community: Leadership can be demanding, so prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to lead effectively.