Bala V Sathyanarayanan serves as EVP & CHRO at Greif, Inc (NYSE: GEF ) & Chairman of the Board of Directors at Balmer Lawrie - Van Leer Ltd.
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Today's world is a rough-and-tumble place. When people talk about leadership in the business world, they are often focused on the business leader and their accomplishments, what they offer, etc. Wouldn't it be great if this was you? Here are half a dozen hacks to be a more effective business leader in today’s world.
1. Do your research.
When it comes to being a great leader, it’s important that you do your research first. Start by following industry leaders on social media. Following experts in your field will not only broaden your perspective of your industry but also enhance your understanding of other business leaders' thought processes and how they operate on a daily basis.
Another way to gain insights into leadership is by reading books and articles about successful leaders. It is no secret that one of the best ways to learn is by following the examples set by other leaders in the industry. And when it comes to business leadership, there is no shortage of great examples to follow. Through reading the stories of successful leaders in your field, you will learn about their business strategies and philosophies and, more importantly, get insight into their personal lives and what drives them to succeed.
2. Get out and gain visibility.
During your research, become aware of various industry events that are happening in your field. Going to events such as expos, summits and virtual conferences are great opportunities to meet successful leaders and hear them speak about their experiences firsthand. You can also get connected to peers and leaders in your industry, which could open doors for new partnerships and prospects. It is of utmost importance that you not only attend these events but really put yourself out there and make the most of your experience. Try to gain visibility by connecting with speakers, volunteering to facilitate a session or participating in a discussion panel.
3. Find mentors and form your board of advisors.
Going to industry events is a great way to not only make connections but also to find mentors—a stepping stone in eventually building your board of advisors. As a business leader, having a board of advisors is crucial as they can help you make decisions and guide your company in the right direction. But what would an ideal board be comprised of?
There are a few things to keep in mind when forming your board of advisors. First, you want to ensure that you have a mix of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise. This will give you a well-rounded group of people who can offer advice and perspectives on various issues. Moreover, diversity matters, as it brings unique experiences and approaches to the table, which will only improve the quality of advice you receive. So, pick people who will challenge you to interpret and tackle problems differently than you usually would.
Secondly, you want to choose people who you respect and trust. These are the people who you will be turning to for guidance, so it's important that you feel confident in their ability to help you make tough decisions.
Finally, don’t forget to also look within your organization. You don’t have to look too far to be inspired and learn from leaders as there are plenty of examples within your own network. Many people in your company have achieved the success that you can learn from. Ask them for advice and be open and willing to learn from them.
4. Learn from your peers.
When you look within your organization, you don’t only have to look at top leadership, as a lot of learning can also come from paying attention to your peers. It is crucial that you take an interest in what your peers are doing so that you can learn from their wins and losses. Reach out to them for advice and get their take on projects you are working on. Pay it back: Share your knowledge and expertise with them. The best leaders are constantly learning and growing. They know there is always room for improvement and are consistently looking for ways to enhance their skills. When you are open to feedback, constructive ideas and experimentation, you will be set up for success in the business world.
5. Gain insights.
The business landscape is constantly changing, and so is the definition of what it takes to be a successful leader. To be an influential leader, you must be able to adapt to new challenges and capitalize on opportunities. You must be a strategic thinker and communicate with the ability to inspire and motivate others. Most importantly, you must be able to gain insights from data and use those insights to make informed decisions. When looking at data, learn to identify patterns and trends and really understand how they impact your business. By being able to correctly interpret and comprehend data, leaders can make decisions to help their businesses grow and thrive.
6. Develop your personal leadership style.
The most effective leaders are those who have put effort into cultivating their personal leadership styles. The first step in developing your own leadership style is by evaluating your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing where you excel and what your shortcomings are will enable you to understand what kind of leader you are and how you can best lead others. Once you have a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, you can begin to sharpen your tools and develop your leadership style.
Keep in mind that no single leadership style is right for everyone. It is essential that you find a style that works best for you. You can do this by experimenting with different leadership styles and strategies until you find one that is more aligned with who you are as a person and what works best with your team.
Follow these hacks to become a more effective business leader. Why not give it a try? After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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