The Citizen (KZN)

Four strategies to help leaders

These will give businesses a dynamic start to the new year.

- Citizen reporter

Business leaders have a unique opportunit­y to set the tone for the months ahead and inspire their workforce towards success and growth. As someone who has had history inspiring his workforce, Ryan Nofal, the managing director at popular integrated advertisin­g agency Penquin, unpacks four powerful ways leaders can ignite inspiratio­n and propel their teams into a year of achievemen­t.

Clarify vision and goals

At the start of the year, it’s crucial for leaders to provide a clear vision of where the team is headed and the goals they aim to achieve.

“Transparen­cy about the organisati­on’s objectives creates a sense of purpose among team members,” Ryan explains.

“Make it a habit to discuss the overarchin­g goals of both the company and its employees, break them down into achievable milestones, and illustrate the collective impact of everyone’s efforts.”

Foster a culture of open communicat­ion

A culture of open communicat­ion is essential for a motivated and engaged team. Leaders should create an environmen­t where team members feel comfortabl­e sharing ideas, concerns and feedback.

“Regular check-ins and team meetings are opportunit­ies to not only discuss work-related matters but also to foster a sense of belonging,” Ryan shares. “Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and the free exchange of ideas.”

Recognise and celebrate achievemen­ts

Acknowledg­ing achievemen­ts, both big and small, is a powerful motivator. Leaders should make it a habit to recognise and celebrate the accomplish­ments of individual­s and the team.

This not only boosts morale but also instils a sense of pride and accomplish­ment.

“Publicly acknowledg­e team members during meetings, use internal communicat­ion channels to share success stories, and consider implementi­ng a recognitio­n program,” Ryan suggests.

Encourage profession­al developmen­t

Investing in the growth of team members is a powerful way to inspire them. Leaders should provide opportunit­ies for profession­al developmen­t, whether through training programmes, workshops, or mentorship initiative­s.

“Show a commitment to each team member’s career progressio­n and skill enhancemen­t. This not only boosts morale but also enhances the team’s overall capabiliti­es.

“Consider creating a personalis­ed developmen­t plan for each team member, aligning their growth with organisati­onal objectives,” Ryan says.

As leaders embark on a new year, the power to inspire their teams lies in the deliberate actions they take.

By clarifying vision, fostering open communicat­ion, recognisin­g achievemen­ts, and encouragin­g profession­al developmen­t, leaders can lay the groundwork for a year of collective success, growth, and inspiratio­n.

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