Be a Better Leader Today Leaders usually strive to be better. Here are four easy ways to amp up your leadership skills today.

By Gwen Moran

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Developing stronger leadership skills is an important act for virtually everyone in business. But becoming a better leader doesn't always require attending a pricey seminar. Sometimes, simple acts can have an immediate impact, says self-proclaimed "leadership freak" Dan Rockwell, a leadership coach and author of the Leadership Freak blog.

Here are four tips to help you be a better leader today:

Spend at least 15 minutes listening. Every day, spend at least 15 minutes with someone who has something to say about a challenge or opportunity your business is facing. It might be an employee or a contractor. But, the key is broach the subject and listen to the response without judgment. Rockwell says leaders often talk too much and don't truly listen to the people around them, who often have valuable insights. Listen to each person with the same level of attention and open mind as you would listen to a consultant or outside expert. You don't always have to follow the advice, but this exercise can help you get out of the same-old patterns of thinking.

"Becoming a better leader is often about letting other people in to have a better understanding of how to move forward," says Rockwell. "The more you need to say, the more you need to listen," he adds.

Related: Turn Around Your Business in 5 Steps

Say, "Tell me more." Instead of asking a barrage of questions, which can be intimidating to others and make them less forthcoming, Rockwell advises using the phrase, "Tell me more." This objective statement lets your discussion counterpart continue in his or her line of thinking without feeling interrogated.

Allow some doubt. Entrepreneurs are often successful because of their belief in their vision and ideals. Rockwell acknowledges how important that is, but advises them to periodically ask, "What if I'm wrong?" That's not to say you should become doubt-filled or ineffective. This is another exercise that helps you think in new ways and perhaps find opportunities that wouldn't be apparent if you simply charged ahead in one direction. Question yourself about the markets you serve - what if you're wrong that a particular segment wouldn't want your product or service? What if you're wrong about embracing new technology? What would the possibilities be if you took a different approach?

Go to lunch. Or, grab some coffee, dinner or breakfast at least once a week with someone you admire. You become like the people with whom you spend time - so get some good ones in the mix, Rockwell says. Even when it feels like you don't have time, you can always make time to have coffee or even a phone conversation with someone who has traits or experience from which you can learn. Whether it's a mentor, a colleague who always offers great insight, or someone who just seems to have it all figured out, the more time you spend with people you admire, the more they can inspire you, he says.

Related: What Scaling Mount Everest Taught Me About Leadership

Wavy Line
Gwen Moran

Writer and Author, Specializing in Business and Finance

GWEN MORAN is a freelance writer and co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Business Plans (Alpha, 2010).

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Business News

'All Hell Is Going to Break Loose': Barbara Corcoran Issues Warning About Real Estate Market, Interest Rates

The "Shark Tank" star appeared on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown" this week.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Business Plans

How to Change Careers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to make a career change without compromising your finances or future? Check out this step-by-step guide on how to change careers to learn more.

Career

The Best Paying Jobs in Consumer Services

Are you looking for a job that pays well in consumer services? Check out this comprehensive breakdown to learn all you need to know.

Money & Finance

What Is Annual Income? Here's How to Calculate It.

Want to know how much money your business or personal budget brings in each year? Discover how to calculate annual income in this detailed guide.