What makes a great leader? Management theorist Simon Sinek, author of Leaders Eat Last, explains that a great leader is one who focuses on an environment of safety. If your employees feel safe, then they will be more productive and engaged. However, if they feel that they may get fired for not performing well, they may actually perform even worse. Sinek explains that “if you get the environment right, every single one of us has the capacity to do remarkable things.” Check out this video from TedTalks about how to be a great leader!
What characteristics do the best leaders have? What kind of environment creates the most productive, loyal, and happy employees? Let us know in the comments section below!
I love the story about the company that decided that instead of laying off everyone, that everyone should take four weeks unpaid leave. This type of creative thinking promotes loyalty and thus increases engagement, and talent retention.