By: Simon T. Bailey

“The real job of a leader is to invite people on a journey to discover themselves, while they’re following that leader.” – Simon T. Bailey

Being a leader is no small feat. It’s one of the most important roles personally and professionally. For the past several years, I have served Leadership West Orange, sharing the importance of being a leader and what it takes to be successful. As you embark on your leadership journey, I encourage you to commit in a way you haven’t before. I challenge you to seek out the growth opportunity right in front of you.


To help you on your journey to becoming a better leader, I’d like to share these eight strategies:

1. Impactful Management Relationships
At the core of effective leadership lies the ability to cultivate impactful relationships. If you are looking to establish strong connections with your team members, focus on building trust, fostering an environment of open communication, and demonstrating empathy. Doing these three things will
encourage collaboration, innovation, and high performance among your team.

2. Understanding the Whole Person
Every employee is their own individual. As a leader, it is important to recognize this and take time to
understand your team members’ unique strengths, motivations, and aspirations. By taking a holistic
approach to leadership, you can tailor your support, provide meaningful feedback, and help
individuals realize their full potential.

3. Encouraging Diversity of Thought
Great leaders understand the value of diverse perspectives. Always focus on encouraging an inclusive environment so every single team member feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions. An open and inclusive environment fosters creativity and leads to better decision-making.

4. Making Recognition a Routine
One of the best things you can do as a leader is to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of
team members. Making recognition a routine allows team members to feel seen, appreciated, and
motivated. Celebrate accomplishments, both big and small, to instill a sense of belonging amongst
your team members.

5. Focusing on Employee Motivations
As a leader, have you taken the time to understand what drives every one of your team members? By aligning tasks and responsibilities with employees’ motivations and aspirations, you can foster a sense of purpose and engagement.

6. Creating a Culture of Inclusivity
It is part of your role to foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and respected. Through proactive advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion, leaders can unlock the full
potential of their team and make them feel that they belong.

7. Coaching People to Their Brilliance
A great leader acts as a coach, guiding their team members toward success. By providing constructive feedback, setting clear goals, and offering support, you can inspire growth and help individuals excel in their roles. Coaching is one of my favorite aspects of being a leader, which is why my team and I created Brilliant Coaching,™ where we help individuals and organizations unlock their true potential and become the best professionals they can possibly be.

8. Accountability – The New Edge
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic work environment, accountability is crucial. Leaders must set clear expectations, provide guidance, and hold team members accountable for their actions. Accountability is the new edge for both leaders and team members, which is why in my new transformative experience, BrilliantU,™ we have a catalog of leadership and professional development videos to help you become a successful leader.

As leaders, we take pride in growing relationships and nurturing brilliance in others. By embracing the eight principles outlined in this article, you can establish impactful relationships, unlock the potential of your team members, and create a culture of excellence. Remember, leadership is not simply about managing tasks; it is about inspiring individuals to reach their full potential and achieve collective success.

Spark Your Day
Brilliant Coaching™
With 30+ years of experience in empowering individuals, teams, and organizations, this growth experience offers personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs, encompassing areas such as Inspirational Leadership, Managerial Essentials, Executive Development, DEIB Leadership, and Personal Development.

BrilliantU™
We equip you with the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to thrive. We engage your mind, heart, and spirit to create lasting change. You deserve to excel in all areas of your life, whether it’s your career, relationships, health, or personal growth. Develop the confidence and resilience to conquer challenges and turn them into opportunities. Get ready to reach new heights and become the best version of yourself.

Download this article in PDF