This is not the time to rest on your laurels. The workplace is evolving, and you need to adapt to these changes. The way you managed and led others got you here, but that approach may not be the best style for taking you and your team to where you need to go. It’s becoming increasingly evident that soft skills—the ability to communicate and interact more effectively with others—are essential skills for today’s managers and leaders. Next-level leadership is possible, but only if you focus on your people because you need them more than they need you.

Worth Remembering – Leadership is not about you; it’s about investing in the growth of others. – Ken Blanchard.

People won’t care about you or your organization until they know how much you care about them. Next-level leadership is about those you lead. It’s time you FOCUSED on your people.

F – Friendly – Smile, say hello. Idle chit-chat is vital in building those all-important relationships. Get to know everyone on your team beyond their work. People prefer to work with and be managed by people they like. How much fun are you to be around?

O – Open and Receptive. A good idea becomes a great idea the more you allow others to contribute their input. It’s bigger than you. You can’t do everything on your own. Teamwork makes everything work.

C – Confident and Competent. – Know what you know and know it very well. But also know what you don’t know and seek the advice of others. You don’t have to know everything, but you do need to know where to find the answers.

U – Understanding – Be empathetic. Don’t judge too soon. See things from their point of view. There may be things going on that you aren’t aware of. Get all the facts before making a final decision on a course of action.

S – Sincere. – If you truly want others to be successful, it will show itself in the way you treat them. Be respectful.

E – Energized. – Be prepared to lead the charge. Enthusiasm is contagious. Act as if you want to be there, even when you don’t at times.

D – Dependable. – Whatever you say you are going to do, do it. People need to trust what you say. If they can’t trust what you say, they won’t trust you at all. Your word must be your bond.

Worth Remembering – Leadership is not about titles or designations. Leadership is about making an impact on those you lead, exerting influence, and inspiring others to take action. – Brian Smith.

You have the potential to work with four different generations simultaneously. Each generation – Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z have different wants and needs, but they all have one thing in common. Each generation wants to be acknowledged and feel appreciated. Each generation wants to be included, not excluded. Next-level leadership is possible.

Copyright 2025. Brian Smith – Power Link Dynamics. Not to be reproduced without permission. Are you searching for a keynote speaker for your next event or planning a training session at your location? Brian specializes in soft skills training and leadership development. He will customize a session that is right for you and your organization.