Leadership is a quality that every manager is expected to demonstrate. Still, the concept of leadership is something that is often debated and misunderstood. What, exactly, is leadership? There are many answers to this question. However, it does seem clear that people who are leaders must do things that are in the best interests of their employees, customers and the community at large. They must be responsible for the interests of others over their own interests. To that end, here are three ways that business leaders can be more responsible.

Keep Your Employees Safe

Your top priority for any employee must be to keep your employees safe. As such, you need to follow safety standards in the workplace if you want to keep your employees safe at their jobs. Specific safety guidelines will vary depending on your industry. However, your job, as a business leader, must be to research what those are and ensure that you create a company culture that values safety above all else. You have to ensure that this culture is passed down to all managers and supervisors, and you must make sure that safety rules are prominently displayed and adhered to.

Be Transparent

Nothing is more frustrating for employees than watching their bosses or managers make major decisions — decisions that have an impact on their lives — without explaining their reasoning. To that end, your job, as a leader, is to always be upfront and transparent with what you decide and why you have made the decision you made. The answers may sometimes be uncomfortable, and sometimes, you may not be able to share the information. However, as a general rule, you should always err on the side of transparency.

Lead by Example

Leaders are expected to be shining examples for the rest of their company to emulate. That needs to be you. To that end, always act how you expect your employees to act. Be hard working — the first to arrive and the last to leave. Be honest and open. Be hardworking and kind. Above all else, remember, your behavior will inspire your employees, one way or the other.

Being a responsible leader is one of the most important things you can do as a manager, more than being a good worker or an excellent financial manager. Being a good leader means that you will unleash the full potential of others. That, in turn, will have a positive impact on the rest of your business.

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Cynthia Corsetti is an Executive Coach and Speaker. If you’d like to learn more on how her C.A.R.E. to Engage system can help you create an engaged workforce in your organization, you can email her at: [email protected]’m an open networker and I love to connect. Please join me over on LinkedIn and FB so we can take this journey together!