As leaders, we often get caught up in the day-to-day operations of our businesses, neglecting the small but impactful gestures that can truly make a difference in our team’s morale and productivity. However, according to Daimien Patterson, there is a “leader’s to-do list” of simple, practical steps we can take to become better leaders.
Daimien presented his list as part of a day-long masterclass for Business Blueprint members. Take a look at the key takeaways.
- Written recognition
- Public recognition
- Keep talking
- Ask questions
- Offer forgiveness
During his presentation, Daimien emphasized the power of written recognition, suggesting the simple act of writing people a note to let them know they are seen and appreciated.
“Most of your people are just not getting any praise at all,” he says. “They’re just doing their job.” Taking the time to send a personalised message, whether it’s a handwritten note, a text, or even letting their partner know about their good work, can go a long way in boosting employee morale.
Another key aspect of being a better leader who is more appreciated by your team is public recognition. Daimien advises leaders to, “Never miss an opportunity to publicly recognize somebody.” This can be as simple as acknowledging birthdays, work anniversaries or significant life events. He shares a personal story about a commanding officer who surprised a soldier by inviting his family to a promotion ceremony, adding meaning and significance to the moment.
Daimien also highlights the power of positive reinforcement through “shout-outs” in team meetings. “It’s a complete game-changer,” he says. “By encouraging team members to recognise each other’s contributions, you can foster a culture of appreciation and collaboration.”
Fostering open communication is also crucial. An “open door policy” is one idea, but it might lead to the same people coming in and taking up your time. Instead, “Get out of your office,” Daimien says. “Go to the front line and talk to your people.” By visiting employees in their work environments and initiating conversations, you can gain valuable insights into the challenges they face and identify ways to support them.
Conducting regular welfare checks and staff satisfaction surveys are other effective strategies. Daimien emphasizes the importance of “just checking on people” and being proactive in gathering feedback, even if it means starting with anonymous surveys.
Being forgiving is another powerful tool in a leader’s arsenal. During his presentation, Daimien shared the story of a millionaire who, after a plane incident, chose to forgive the refueler who put the wrong fuel in the aircraft instead of firing him on the spot.
“That person is now the least likely to make that mistake. They have been saved from ‘execution’, and are now in debt to their leader.”
Extend forgiveness when your team members do the wrong thing and you’ll stand to build trust, foster loyalty and encourage team members to learn from their mistakes.
Becoming a better leader is not always about grand gestures or complex strategies – it’s about the small, intentional actions that make a lasting impact on your team. By implementing these practical tips yourself, you can cultivate a more engaged, motivated and high-performing workforce, ultimately driving your business to greater success.
Want to access Daimien’s full presentation on leadership? Recordings are available to Platinum Business Blueprint members. Book a call with our team to find out more.
