5 ways to become a leader people want to work for

What kind of leader would you want to work for? Think about it: would it be someone who inspires trust, fosters connection, and makes you feel like your work matters? Or a leader who leaves you feeling stressed, undervalued, and unsure of your role in the big picture?

In today’s business world, leadership is no longer just about achieving results—it’s about how you make your people feel. Leaders who bring joy and connection to the workplace create environments where employees thrive. Research shows that engaged and valued employees are more productive, loyal, and innovative. When you’re a joy to work for and with, your relationships, revenue, and results soar.

So, how can you become that kind of leader?  Here are five steps to lead with joy, starting with how you show up for yourself each day.

1. Start the Day with the Right Mindset: The 5Qs Formula
   The way you begin your day sets the tone for everything that follows. As a leader, your energy, mindset, and wellbeing are critical to your team’s success. The 5Qs Formula—a proven, science-backed system that primes your mindset in just five minutes—helps you stay energised, grounded, and intentional throughout the day.

   By reflecting on five key questions each morning, you connect with your emotions, energy, thoughts, priorities, and actions. When you take care of yourself, you create the emotional bandwidth to lead effectively. Leadership starts from within, and when you prioritise your wellbeing, you show up as the best version of yourself for your team.

2. Clarity in Communication
   One of the most important things people need from their leaders is clarity—both in direction and feedback. Whether sharing good news or delivering tough messages, be clear and straightforward. Ambiguity leads to stress and disengagement, but clear communication builds trust and understanding.

   When people know what’s expected, where the company is heading, and how their work fits into the bigger picture, they feel more secure. Constructive feedback helps them grow, while recognition reinforces strengths. Leaders who are joy to work for and do business with, don’t avoid difficult conversations but approach them with compassion and clarity, ensuring employees feel supported and understand their next steps.

3. Recognition: Celebrate Wins, Big and Small
   Recognition is one of the most powerful tools at a leader’s disposal. Celebrating achievements—whether big milestones or small wins—creates a positive atmosphere that fuels motivation. Humans crave acknowledgement, as it affirms their significance. Canadian psychologist Gordon Flett’s research on ‘mattering’ shows that feeling significant boosts purpose and belonging, sparking internal joy and engagement.

   Recognition isn’t just about formal programs; it’s about the small, meaningful gestures—a personal note of thanks, public praise in meetings, or a spontaneous celebration of a small win. When people feel seen and valued, it motivates them to keep giving their best.

4. Purpose and Connection: Help People Understand Why Their Work Matters
   One key to creating joy at work is ensuring people feel connected to a greater purpose. It’s not enough to assign tasks; leaders must help their teams see how their roles contribute to the organization’s broader vision.

   When people understand the value and impact of their work, it becomes meaningful to them. This sense of purpose fosters intrinsic motivation, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction. Purpose-driven work isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about helping people feel like they’re part of something significant. As a leader, consistently reinforce this connection and remind your team of the impact they’re making.

5. Empathy: Understand and Support Your Team’s Human Experience
   Empathy is at the heart of leading with joy. People don’t want to be treated as cogs in a machine—they want to be seen, heard and understood. Leaders who practice empathy build stronger relationships and foster a culture of openness and trust.

   Empathetic leaders understand the challenges their employees face, both in and out of work. This could mean offering flexibility for personal circumstances, listening deeply during one-on-ones, or simply checking in on how someone is feeling. When people feel supported on a human level, they are more likely to bring their authentic selves to work, leading to better problem-solving, stronger collaboration, and ultimately, more joy.

By priming your mindset communicating with clarity, recognising achievements, connecting work to a greater purpose, and leading with empathy, you can become the kind of leader that people love to work for. When you lead with joy, you not only enhance your team’s performance, but you create a workplace where people thrive. Which of these five steps will you focus on today?

Written by Simi Rayat.
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