Have you ever worked under the orders of a bad manager? Someone with whom the flow never happened, who never inspired you or motivated you, who pissed you off personally, or was so disgusted with your work, that you ended up leaving your job?

You or any of your loved ones have certainly experienced this kind of situation. Regrettably, you then look for another position with the work you like.

In your turn, you start in entrepreneurship and you ask yourself the question: how to become a leader recognized and appreciated by his team?

Prove recognition when it is deserved

In a study conducted in 2019, more than 1,000 employees were asked to rate 24 potentially “bad” behaviors on the part of a manager, on a scale from “totally acceptable” to “totally unacceptable”. The results speak for themselves.

57% said that a manager who appropriates and boasts of the work done by others is unacceptable.

30% agreed that a boss with a repeated bad mood or condescending attitude is hard to tolerate.

44% admitted that a bad manager is the main reason they quit their job.

Unfortunately, none of this is surprising. Many companies have toxic labor cultures that neither foster trust nor collaboration, but rely on some kind of Darwinian survival model of the strongest.

In short, it is necessary to be able to show altruism, sometimes philanthropy but especially recognition when it is necessary and deserved. Always think “We” rather than “I”.

Position yourself as a mentor and train your team

Why do so many managers appropriate the hard work of others? Because one of the most common traits of bad managers is that they have the “me first” mentality. Their leadership is only a means for them to achieve one goal: more prestige, more power and better compensation.

Some might argue that these rewards are excellent motivators for leadership. But most of us would disagree. Our personal experiences have taught us that great leaders lead because they care about improving the lives of those around them.

According to an in-depth study of 200,000 people over 10 years, 79% of employees left their jobs due to a “lack of appreciation”.

As a leader, never forget that you are a mentor for your teammates. And, as for a successful education, a good mentorship needs to always train and advance the members of your team.

Innovating and engaging in a corporate vision

Some managers like to point out that great leaders (like Steve Jobs) are not always tender with their collaborators. That’s true, except that Steve Jobs has always been recognized as an excellent leader in his company by his employees, which more than compensated for his few behavioral deviations.

In addition, Jobs was always ready to do the work and engage in its bold and innovative vision. This made him an effective and inspiring leader despite his often harsh and manipulative behavior towards his teams.

Yes, even the great leaders are imperfect. But what sets them apart from others is their singular ability to be bold. They are able and willing to engage in a specific course of action, to take risks even when times are tough and few people agree with them.

Getting involved in the digital ecosystem

Speaking of leadership, it is not possible to be an innovative manager in the 21st century without having an excellent knowledge of the infinite and evolving possibilities that the digital world offers.

One study found that digital leadership skills are becoming more important now. Companies with the most connected leaders succeed at all levels, including financial results.

This technological awareness is not necessarily limited to younger generations of managers. Recognize the role and impact of technology in the success of your business is an attitude first, and a skill set, then.

Make your own road as you go

The general opinion is that leadership is “intangible”. That it is an innate characteristic, which one has or not. It’s a myth. Leadership, like any other skill, is a talent that can be acquired, practiced, perfected.

Some people will naturally be better leaders than others, obviously. But there are so many trainers and coaches to train in leadership; it is good that it is possible to evolve, to improve, to become better. Everyone can progress through hard work and perseverance. And everyone can learn from the leaders they admire.

Ultimately, there is no single solution for acquiring leadership skills. There are different styles for different personalities. You will need to find the style that suits your character and identify your strengths to become the best.

One thing is certain; being a manager in a company is a status, positioning yourself as a leader, being recognized by the members of your team. We are not born a great leader, we become, by dint of work, as for all.