In the fast-paced world of public relations and communications, effective leadership is crucial for agency success. In our recent Shooting the Shift podcast, we visited with Ken Jacobs, a seasoned PR professional-turned leadership coach, who shared valuable insights on how to become a more impactful leader.
Key Leadership Traits
Vision and Inspiration
A great leader must have a clear vision for their organization’s future and be able to inspire their team to work towards that goal.This involves setting the tone, creating career paths that align with employees’ strengths and focusing on future growth rather than dwelling on the past.
Trust and Respect
Building trust and respect is fundamental to effective leadership. Leaders must consistently communicate and demonstrate trust in their team members to foster greater engagement and willingness to work towards the vision. It’s important to note that trust is earned, not assumed, and must be cultivated daily.
Open-Mindedness
Successful leaders are open to change, willing to listen to new ideas, and ready to experiment with different approaches. This flexibility allows for growth and adaptation in an ever-changing industry.
Overcoming Leadership Challenges
Addressing Feedback
One of the most crucial aspects of leadership is the ability to receive and act on feedback. Jacobs emphasized the importance of conducting 360-degree reviews and being open to constructive criticism. While it may be difficult to hear negative feedback, great leaders use this information to improve their performance and strengthen their relationships with team members.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Some traits that can hinder effective leadership include:
- Lack of confidence or displaying fear and anxiety
- Inability to focus or constantly chasing “shiny new pennies”
- Failing to provide truly constructive feedback
- Relying on command-and-control leadership styles
- Managing rather than leading
- Complaining about team members or specific generations
Strategies for Leadership Growth
Energy Management
Jacobs introduced the concept of energy leadership, which involves understanding and managing one’s energy levels, especially during stressful situations. By being aware of their energy state, leaders can make better decisions and communicate more effectively.
Effective Communication
Learning to communicate difficult messages in a direct, kind, honest and diplomatic manner is crucial for leadership success. This skill allows leaders to address challenging situations while maintaining positive relationships with team members and clients.
Generational Understanding
In today’s multi-generational workforce, it’s essential for leaders to appreciate and leverage the strengths of each generation. By understanding the unique perspectives and skills of different age groups, leaders can create more cohesive and productive teams.
Client Relationships
Effective leaders approach client relationships with confidence and a partnership mindset. This involves being able to communicate value, set appropriate boundaries, and maintain a balance between meeting client needs and protecting the agency’s interests.
By incorporating these leadership insights and strategies, PR professionals can enhance their leadership skills, create more engaged teams, and drive their organizations towards greater success. Remember, leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and self-improvement that requires consistent effort and reflection.