How to lead like an Alpha: modern leadership

Leadership has attracted a lot of attention lately, and for the right reasons. There are some who wish to enhance their existing skills, while others want to learn how to be a leader. There are various workshops, seminars, conferences and speaking events around the world, where the target audience is eager to imbibe the best traits of a successful leadership. With so much knowledge floating around, there are some (in fact quite few) leaders who grab our attention. They are at the top of their game, the apex of their chain. The Alpha.

But how does one lead like an Alpha? Does it truly take something special, or can it be honed like other skills? Honestly, it simply requires discipline and a fair amount of self-confidence.

With that said, let us dive into the 12 rules you should follow if you wish to lead like an Alpha.

1. Stay true to your skills
   Good leaders know the strengths of their team members and themselves. Great leaders know their weaknesses too. And that’s how they fill in the gaps, to create a balanced environment. Their motive is to do what they do best, and let the others do the same. Their performance is generally noticeable because they stick to their expertise, and hence lead by example.
2. Side-line your ego
   Alpha leaders always focus on the bigger picture. The larger mission is the priority, and for that, they are willing (and capable) of sacrificing their ego. Nobody likes to follow a person who thinks they are better than others. Never lose sight of the reason why you became the leader. It will help you stay on track, and atop the responsibilities that come with the role.
3. Care about your team
   In a way even managers and team leaders are “leaders”, but many often forget the difference between managing people and leading them. Alphas know the value of empathy. They know what they want, what the team members want and what the larger mission is. And then they find a way to align all of these. Setting their own roadmap to the bigger objective, leaves a trail which is easier for the other team members to replicate and follow. Inclusion and empathy are very important. Each member is valued equally and treated similarly as well.
4. Take responsibility for the results
   We have all come across leaders (or have heard of those) who like taking credit when the sailing is smooth but are ready to play the blame-game when the winds are strong. It is no surprise when their teammates start leaving.
   Alpha leadership is about owning up to mistakes and assuming responsibility on behalf of the team. As a leader, you are the face of the team, and their actions are your responsibility. Share the successes, but be ready to take the blame, if you wish to be the leader who stands out from the crowd.
5. Invest in yourself and the team
   Learning and up-skilling is important to any organisation, team and individual. Alpha leaders recognise that knowledge is power. And to boost the power of the team’s performance, they choose to invest in the learning curve of their team. Conducting courses and seminars for the team to learn from, coaching and training sessions to sharpen their current skills, and networking events for the leaders and the potential future leaders – all serve as excellent investment options.
6. Drive the direction of the team
   Sometimes, as the captain of the ship, you must make tough calls. When you know where you wish to reach, you will find a way to navigate through storms and tides, too. What you do as a leader, sets the tone for the members of your team to follow. Share your vision with them and involve them in the process of reaching the destination.
7. Team comes before individuals
   Alpha leadership comprises of placing the team’s interests before those of individuals. If you get too concerned with what one member thinks of your tough call, you are going to have a hard time moving forward. Put your team higher in the priority list, than individual pedestals.
8. Do not jump in to aid them
   Though alphas are always willing to help, it is always better to let your team members attempt till they cannot anymore, before you offer help. If the transparency between you (as the leader) and your team members is fairly good, they will not hesitate to ask you for help. Even if that is the case, allow them to attempt it one more time, and if it is absolutely out of the realm of their skill-set, show them how it is done. Rather than do it for them, show them how it’s done, so they understand the process, and it becomes a learning experience for them.
9. Trust the team’s skills
   Understanding the abilities and capabilities of your team (individually, and collectively) is a very powerful tool in the arsenal of alpha leadership. Remember why you hired each member. Let them perform what they do best. It is of no benefit to bring someone on board for their skills, only to tell them how to perform their task. Trust their skills and trust them to fulfil what they signed up for.
10. Praise v/s Criticism
    Praise in public but criticise in private. This is a rule of thumb for all leaders, irrespective of field, industry, or hierarchy.
    When your team performs well, be proactive in praising them. Rewards work great, but words of praise can be truly impactful. Praising publicly lets the team members know that their leader is proud to showcase their achievements, and the skills behind them. It oozes pride and injects further confidence in the team.
    Criticism, on the other hand, must always be done privately. Do not point out someone’s mistake in the presence of a third person. Constructive criticism is well-taken when it is well-portrayed. Do not just let someone know what went wrong, but also offer a possible solution to take home from the situation. The end responsibility lies with the leader, and thus, ensuring a respectful course of correction will go a long way in shaping the team’s future.
11. Communication is key!
    Your team is not going to know what is on your mind unless you communicate it clearly. Convey your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions in a clear and transparent manner. This makes the team feel involved in the bigger mission and conforms their vision with yours. Set up a system of communication between yourself and the members, but also amongst themselves.
12. Shape the future
    Alpha leaders know that leadership is about the future. You are not going to remain in your position at all times (let alone forever). Recognising the talent for potential leadership is a strong suit for any leader to possess. Mentor someone (or more) to take up the mantle in your absence, and to carry on with the vision you shared. Remember, you may move on, but the vision shall remain.

Leadership is all around us. And it is quite the same, for the most part. Even in the animal kingdom, the alpha of the pack hunts at the front, leading by example. For them, hunting the prey simply means that the whole pack gets to eat. The human world isn’t much different. The alphas ensure that their team gets the best, and they are not afraid to fight for what they want.

Leaders are not born, or simply entitled due to their hierarchical position. They are created. By will, grit, and motivation.

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