With mounting evidence employees leave their bosses, not their jobs, recruiting firm Hays advises workers new to leadership roles to exercise regularly, be aware of stress triggers and seek honest feedback.


“As a new leader, it’s all too easy to slip unconsciously into poor behaviours without realising it, ” managing director Nick Deligiannis said. “Sometimes people are so keen to prove their leadership skills and make a difference that they forget to stop and think.

“This leads to poor leadership, which impacts their team and leads to rising turnover. It also has a negative impact on their career prospects.

“Don’t just try to replicate others. As a new leader, you need to find your own way.

“Find time to assess your behaviour objectively. Consider your leadership performance in terms of coercion, reward and inspiration. Aim to be a role model who uses your own unique expertise to lead and inspire your team.”

Remaining calm under pressure and seeking out honest appraisals from trusted contacts inside and outside the business would keep leaders grounded, while being global in their vision would win them new business opportunities.

“Good leaders should avoid the narrow-minded view that if an approach works in their country it will work in another. Cultural sensitivity is an important competency for leaders today, ” he said.

A proper night’s sleep and regular exercise would build resilience, minimise stress and limit the likelihood of making an irrational or emotionally charged decision, he said.

 

© The West Australian