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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

March 14, 2023

5 Tips to Fine-Tune Your Leadership Abilities

The mark of a good leader is knowing what to stop and/or cut out. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are. In fact, you’re going to burn out! It’s time to fine tune the organization leader in you and maximize your abilities at the helm.

Take this time to look inward. It’s hard for us to evaluate our own abilities, but no one can do that better than yourself.

Let’s face it. You already exhibit a certain leadership style. You wouldn’t be where you are without it. Now, let’s take it up a notch, reviewing five tips to sharpen your leadership style

     1. Embrace Innovation

In our world with technology changing daily, a leader should embrace what technology can do for you, and not fight it. Look for ways to implement tools and tricks to lessen the workload. Innovation in the workplace is, in some cases, the answer to our industry’s continual need for more skilled staff. In my office, it was a struggle to get used to Google Sheets, Slides, Forms, etc. We were forced to work with Shared Folders during COVID, and now wouldn’t think of working without it. It is convenient to sign in and have access to everything you need wherever you are. It is also convenient to have connectivity with these documents in apps on your cell phone, allowing edits and “sending” abilities in real time.

     2. Learn and Educate

Education is a lifelong process. When attending professional development courses, I always respect a long-time executive in the audience. One can never be too old to learn. A true leader is in continual learning mode.

     3. Co-Worker Performance

Happy employees are more creative, innovative and dedicated.

Your workplace environment can be focused and serious, but don’t forget to have fun. Your leadership style impacts this in a big way.

It’s a proven fact the happier your employees are, the more successful your organization.

     4. Admit Your Strengths and Weaknesses

While you can try to improve the areas where you’re weaker, understand that no one is perfect. When you know your weaknesses, you’re more likely to seek assistance, which bodes well for the success of your organization. In my workplace, I needed help with the financial aspects of my operation. We incorporated an outside accounting firm. This helped our organization grow exponentially during my 32-year career at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

     5. Great Communicator

Great leaders keep their teams informed of all major issues, and news going on within an organization. And remember, communication involves both talking and listening. In debriefings and staff meetings, talk about these items.

 

In closing, being a leader in today’s world is not an easy task.  It requires a personality that steps up and stands out. In my opinion, a leader has to continually be open to improvement. These tips will help keep you on point.

Avatar photo
Diane Probst, IOM, CCE

Diane Probst, IOM, CCE is a legend in the Chamber industry, having led her state association as Chairman of the Board, authored two books, and led a 5-star Chamber through it all. Her books address “Chamber Basics” and lessons learned after a devastating hurricane hit her community.

It all happened at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce where she served as President/CEO for 32 years. Under her leadership, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber held accreditation status for 25 years, 15-plus years at the 5-star level. It was the third Chamber in Texas to receive a 5-star rating, and by far the smallest community.

Probst holds a BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University. She is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management, and is a Certified Chamber Executive by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She also completed economic development courses at Texas A&M University, and the University of Oklahoma’s Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence Program. Probst was chairman of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) in 2008, and is the recipient of the 2012 Marvin Hurley Award, TCCE’s highest honor.

She published her first book Chamberology in 2014 and her second, When The Storm Comes: Lessons Learned, in 2019, authored with her daughter, Alyssa Wilson. It offers organizations 10 areas to focus on after a disaster strikes their community.

Probst takes pride in inspiring a Chamber professional’s potential for building and maintaining a 5-star organization. She looks forward to teaching the Institute Session “Unleashing the Leader Within You” at the University of Wisconsin this summer.

She and her husband, Mike, have two daughters. Alyssa (Doug) Wilson and Ashlee (Cody) Lynch. They have six grandchildren, all under the age of eight.

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