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What this is
Supportive leadership can positively impact the performance of a team.
A supportive leadership style is consistent with the 7 public sector values or the agreed team values that complement the public sector values.
Being a supportive leader means your team:
- has a sense of your leadership style when you interact with them
- may feel encouraged to reach out to you when they need help
When there’s an issue, a supportive leader’s team has confidence you will work to resolve the issue in a manner that is consistent with the agreed team values.
Why you need to focus on this
When you establish a supportive leadership style, you’ll:
- build trust
- instil confidence
- let staff realise their full potential in the work they do
- make staff feel pride in their work
- raise staff productivity
What happens if you don’t focus on this
Leadership styles that aren’t consistent with the values may:
- cause confusion with your staff about your approach and expectations
- create frustration
- impact productivity
- negatively affect your team’s wellbeing
- lower motivation
Tips to use
Be a supportive leader on an individual and a team level.
Try out different things based on the needs of each team member.
But also understand what works when they come together as a group.
Be consistent with the agreed team values by showing empathy for the circumstances of each person.
Some things you can do are:
- actively listen to what your team need and act on what they say
- ask each staff member what support they need
- ask each staff member how they like to receive information, such as emails, phone, instant messaging and so on
- ask each staff member if they understand what work they’re doing and why they’re doing it
- try to let each staff member resolve issues or do work on their own so they feel empowered