Lessons in Leadership from CEO Saravanan Nagaraj
I’ve had a long journey in the business world, and I’ve learned many things about leadership on the way to becoming the CEO of Vanan Online Services. Good leadership is one of the main keys to an organization’s success, so today, I’m sharing some of the key lessons I’ve learned for effective business leadership.
- Communicate effectively.
Make sure you set clear goals and expectations for your team. Provide the right amount of support and encouragement to help them meet their goals. Address any concerns they have as they progress towards your objectives.
- Be a good listener.
There is a range of opinions and perspectives on every team. Every team member has a unique skill set and experiences that can help contribute to solutions for a problem. Ask for feedback and be willing to listen when someone has a good idea.
- Good leaders put in the work.
As a leader, your job is not just to tell everyone what to do. Your job is to do whatever it takes to propel your team towards reaching a collective goal. Don’t be afraid to get in the trenches with your team and aid them with even menial tasks if it helps achieve your goal.
- Know your own weaknesses.
Even if you’re in charge, you don’t know everything. That’s why it’s important to hire people who can contribute the knowledge that you lack. Make sure you ask for their opinions on the subjects you’re not an expert on.
- Have a vision for your team or company.
Good leaders are not only focused on the present. If you crave success, you must be a visionary with a clear understanding of the goals that you want your team or company to reach in the future. Make sure everyone is on board with your vision, and then take actionable steps to achieve it.
- Absorb information like a sponge.
Sometimes, the solutions for your problems can be found in the most unlikely of places. Cultivate a curiosity that seeks to understand many different subjects and fields and you might just gain insight into your business’s current challenges from a whole new perspective.
- Be a mentor.
Invest in your team members instead of treating them like disposable resources. Develop their skills and guide them through the challenges of their position. Being a good mentor is one easy way to improve your team’s effectiveness.
- Make decisions for long-term success.
Great leaders can make decisions that contribute to an organization’s overall well-being. Seek your organization’s long-term success rather than just trying to meet quotas or immediate objectives. Set your company up for continued success.
- Have good self-awareness.
If you understand yourself, your emotions, and your habits, you can be a better planner and communicator in the office. Discipline yourself to act in constructive ways that build people up.
- Be willing to admit when you’re wrong.
No leader is perfect. If you make a mistake, acknowledge it to your team members instead of hiding from it. They’ll respect you more for it.
About the Author:
Saravanan Nagaraj is the CEO of Vanan Inc., a global leader in the online services sector. As the CEO, Nagaraj is responsible for the overall vision, leadership, and direction of the respective companies under their banner.