Creating a culture where your colleagues are seen, supported and encouraged to contribute ideas, use their talents and deliver results is essential in successful leadership.

In this blog, I want to encourage you to think about the importance of being a visible leader and how this impacts your team culture.

What is visible leadership?

Put simply, it is the practice of you being present and actively communicating and demonstrating your values, whilst being engaged in daily activities and supporting your team. 

This is not a leader who is drowning in tasks, and therefore hidden away in their office. Nor is it a leader who only makes time for communication when problems need to be addressed.

Why is it important?

As a leader, when you are visible and engaged, you are better able to understand the needs and concerns of your team, identify opportunities for improvement, and make informed decisions.

You can contribute to a more engaged and motivated team by building people’s trust and confidence, as well as fostering better organisational outcomes by creating a sense of accountability.

What can you do to develop your visibility?

Being a visible leader involves several key traits and actions. Here are 7 tips to help you become a (more) visible leader:

  1. Build Relationships: Develop strong relationships with those around you. Connect with people by listening to their concerns, offering support, and being approachable.
  2. Communicate Effectively: Practise clear, concise, and respectful communication. Make sure you actively listen and respond to others’ perspectives.
  3. Set Goals: Define clear and achievable goals for yourself and your team. Work collaboratively to create a plan that aligns with your goals and objectives.
  4. Lead by Example: Model the behaviour you want to see in others. Be accountable, honest, and transparent in your actions.
  5. Inspire and Motivate: Encourage your team to take risks, be creative, and work collaboratively. Celebrate successes and learn from failures.
  6. Develop Expertise: Continue to develop your expertise and knowledge in your field. Share your expertise and experiences with others to create a culture of continuous learning.
  7. Be Visible: Actively participate in company events, meetings, and social gatherings. Share your ideas, feedback, and insights in a respectful and productive way.

Remember, becoming a visible leader takes time and effort. Keep practising and building your skills to achieve your leadership goals.

If you’d like to discuss your leadership and your commitment to growing and developing, I would love to chat! You can contact me at jane.baggott@vistadevelopment, or you can book in for a free, informal chat by clicking the link here!