Character is not fixed; it is a set of qualities that can be developed and strengthened over time. As a leader, knowing this key fact can help you build your team into a group of individuals with integrity, respect, compassion and positivity, confidence, and resilience. When you have an organization founded on these qualities, everyone can take pride in your organization and the work you do together. Consider the following actionable strategies for leading your high-performance team, from leadership development expert Sara Canady:
- Provide challenging projects.
- Offer professional development opportunities.
- Clearly define goals and expectations in service of your mission.
- Avoid micromanaging.
- Recognize and praise your team and its members for progress and success.
Strong leadership can result in a team’s high performance because it motivates team members and fosters a culture of trust, open communication, and collaboration. Jim Stovall once said, “You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”
As a leader, it is your responsibility to help your team build strength of character because strong character is foundational to success. It is what allows your team to address risk, make tough choices and decisions, weather challenges, and overcome obstacles. Character allows your team to maintain integrity in times of adversity. With character development, you can lead your team to enhanced performance, for positive growth and success.
