One of the greatest joys of being a leader is being empowered with the ability to put others first and inspire them to reach their personal goals.

Along with that privilege comes the responsibility to be worthy of leadership. Simply being appointed into a leadership role does not make you a leader – your work as a leader defines your worth.

It is vital to recognise that it is not about yourself but your people. When you are able to put your employees needs before your own, you will become a worthy leader.

“When we learn to turn our focus from ourselves to others, the whole world opens up to us,” John Maxwell writes.

During the first 60 days of my role at KINSHIP digital, I have realised some critical areas that can aid leaders in becoming worthy, and which in turn makes creates an engaged workplace:

1. Appreciate and Recognise your employees – Give your employees credit, without them you can never be successful. One of the largest reasons employees leave a job is because they feel unappreciated.

2. Empower your employees – it all boils down to accountability and trust. When you empower your employees it results in higher job performance, job satisfaction as well as loyalty.

3. Understand your employees – really spend the time to understand your employees personal development plans and support them in achieving them. As a leader, you should aim to get the best out of your people and guide them on the road to success.

4. Do not second-guess – refrain from second-guessing your employees’ decisions and ideas. When you second-guess their intentions and decisions it undermines your employees’ confidence and leads to them refraining from sharing ideas with you.

As US General Mark Welsh said, “Leadership is a gift. It’s given by those who follow. You have to be worthy of it.”

Each one of your team members are essential to your work in becoming a worthy leader.