Executive Training in San Francisco

Often people find themselves moving up through the leadership ranks even though they never saw themselves as natural leaders. At a recent session at an executive training in San Francisco, an audience member asked how she could improve her team leadership skills. She’d just been promoted to a Vice-President position of managing a team of over 100 employees.

That’s a common question at Q&A sessions in San Francisco—where I’ve delivered many executive trainings, giving talks such as “Executive Presence” and “Developing Influential Leaders."

Here are six ways to become an outstanding team leader who consistently gets results from your people—and earns their respect in turn.

1. Set an example.

   Start the team culture with yourself. Let others know what tasks you’re working on and how their contributions fit into these projects. Do you want happy and motivated employees? Be one. Be willing to help out in the office, even with something like making the coffee, if needed. Decide how you’d like to be perceived, and then build that presence.Not sure where to start? No matter where you are—from New York to San Francisco—you can find executive training programs or an executive coach to help you determine what image to project for maximum productivity.

2. Sell what you do.

   Share your passion for the company with your employees. If you love your work, and it shows, it makes a big difference. Inject enthusiasm into everything you do, and your team will catch fire right along with you. If your mission does not inspire you, maybe it’s time for a new perspective. Think about what you like most about your job, and find ways to get excited about your work.

3. Be a good communicator.

   While it’s important to delegate tasks, this shouldn’t be the only time you talk to your team members. Let them know that you appreciate what they do and that their work helps to realize the overall goals of the company. Be honest if you make a mistake. It’s a huge morale killer to act like you can do no wrong.Have an open-door policy to encourage the free flow of ideas. Listen just as much as you talk, if not more. When you don’t know the answer, admit it. Empower employees to think for themselves by not always being the first one to suggest solutions to problems.

4. Be organized.

   Have you ever seen a TV show with a frazzled executive? These people are usually the punch lines of jokes. Yes, you’re busy, but keeping on schedule and knowing where things are in the office will make both you and your team more productive. Stress can have a trickle-down effect. Speak to employees and establish deadlines that work for everyone. Again, communication is key.

5. Know your coworkers.

   It can kill morale if at Mary’s retirement you don’t even remember what she did for the company. You should make sure you know each employee you supervise and his or her role. A good boss also makes an effort to learn some important details, such as birthdays and the names of their children. While you don’t have to be best buddies, treat everyone as an individual, not a cog in the wheel.

6. Keep learning.

   A good leader is not born overnight. Even the greats like Steve Jobs had their mentors. Get a coach. Find a mentor. Attend executive training, even if you have to travel to San Francisco, Dallas, or Chicago. If you’re struggling, ask for help. It doesn’t make you a bad executive; it just makes you human. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have questions when attending training sessions; others may have the same questions, and they will be grateful that you asked.

A good motivational speaker will help your people to hone all of these qualities by customizing a speech or training to your needs. For instance, a motivational speaker can help male leaders understand how to collaborate more effectively or empower women to build their visibility, benefiting the whole team.

A motivational training specified to your needs will help instill all of these skills. The best motivational trainers will analyze which skills you and your team most need to develop, then present on how to hone them. For example, Joel delivered a motivational talk for a Denver sales team that helped them craft a new success strategy.

Joel Garfinkle provides executive coaching and training in the San Francisco area and beyond. To learn more about becoming a better leader, check out his book, Getting Ahead, or book him to provide an executive training to your employees at your own location.