It’s the start of the school year, and we have the chance to begin anew with a fresh, blank slate. Every time we meet someone or welcome a new class of students, we make a first impression. First impressions matter and they often stick well beyond the initial meeting. What do people look for in a leader in a first encounter? What characteristics should a leader exhibit and exemplify to make a positive first impression?
Here are 5 Leadership Tips to make a positive first impression.
- Care. Show you sincerely care about those in your care. Rather than focusing on yourself, shine the light on those you lead.
- Authentic. Be real, genuine, and honest with those you lead. People are tired of fakes, fronts, and frauds, and they crave authentic leaders who are human; imperfections and all.
- Communicate. Clearly communicate your excitement, gratitude, and enthusiasm with vibrant energy in your voice and eyes, an open, confident posture, and uniting language that emphasize “we/us” rather than “I/me.”
- Collaborate. Engage and empower others in conversation, decision-making, and goal setting. Leaders don’t go it alone. We move farther together.
- Purpose. People respect leaders who are driven by a purpose and mission to make a positive impact, rather than leaders who are in it for themselves. Stay true to your sense of purpose.
