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Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1336129
www.canadianlawyermag.com/inhouse 33 Trust is built between leader and team member by the actions and behaviour of the leader, not the other way around rather than becoming defensive or the act of asking for feedback will put your relationship at a deficit. 7 Model what you want to see If you only remember one thing, remember this: People watch everything a leader does, whether the leader likes it or not. So the example you model is exactly the behaviour you will get from your team. and how well you share your expertise with each team member. 3 Be a good coach One of the most important habits any leader can improve is their ability to coach the individuals on their team. Author and executive coach Michael Bungay Stanier says any leader can be a better coach just by "staying curious a little bit longer and rushing to advice-giving a little bit slower." Positivity impacts your relationship with your people if you can coach them to improve a skill gap. 4 Put your phone away when interacting No one likes to see someone else pick up their phone in the middle of a conver- sation. When this happens, it makes us feel much less important than whatever is happening on the phone. I can only write this because I am guilty as charged, and changing this habit is an ongoing challenge. 5 Embrace the journey of each team member It's easy for leaders to get in the habit of assuming every professional on their team is in the same place in their life's journey. Just because a 30-year-old and a 40-year-old might be doing the same job doesn't mean they are in the same place on their journey. One could be single, while the other is married with kids. Those things absolutely matter. Get in the habit of putting yourself in the shoes of where your people are on their life's walk. 6 Ask for feedback about yourself The number one competency- deficient area we have found in our Welder Leader assessment is asking for feedback from the team. This is so important because people want to feel like their opinion matters. The ability to be vulnerable in front of your team will instantly improve the relationship. One caveat: You must be humble when accepting feedback John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft, a full-service organizational health company whose mission is to turn managers into leaders and create healthier places to work. He is a speaker, host of the Follow My Lead podcast and author of F.M.L .: Standing Out & Being a Leader and the upcoming book The Welder Leader. For more, visit learnloft.com.