As a leader, I believe that the more you understand about your impact on others, and the pros and cons of your own actions and behaviours, the more you can reflect on improving opportunities for positive outcomes and actions in the workplace, and in business growth and development.

Leadership development allows you to explore and reflect on your approach to leadership and challenge yourself on what, why, where, when and who may impact on you, in both a positive and negative way. You explore different formulas and tips that allow you to adapt and improve, with the goal of achieving positive outcomes.

This is no easy feat and you can feel challenged in many ways. You might choose to do this through a leadership course, coaching, mentoring, reflection or another development activity. Whatever you choose, make sure you have the support of a highly skilled professional individual or team to lead and guide you through the emotions and challenges you face.

In 2016 I completed the Top Leaders Course with Skills for Care to challenge and develop my leadership skills and to discover ‘what makes me tick’.

Having a deeper understanding of myself has allowed me to adapt my approach and leadership style, highlighting actions or behaviours which may have restricted others from performing at their best. Having insight and learning to read the ‘signs’ more quickly increases your confidence to challenge malignant approaches, in a way that allows positive progression.

Anyone considering a leadership development programme or another development activity needs to explore very carefully what it is they are trying to achieve and find the right thing for them. The Top Leaders course was very challenging and demanded honest reflection and commitment – it wasn’t for the faint hearted!  Whatever you choose – you get what you put in and the results can be very powerful and emotional.

My tips for great leadership:

  • Lead with passion.
  • Have true belief in the company ethos in good times and in bad.
  • Inspire others to reach their goals by showing a true interest in their development.
  • Give employees opportunities to excel.
  • Be inspirational.
  • Accept who you are.
  • Gain insight into your style of leadership and how this might be adapted to encourage better working outcomes for your team.

Bernadette Mossman is Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare, with more than 30 years experience in the care industry. You can get in touch with her at bm******@vi************.uk or by calling 01423 788770