When you combine active listening, effective communication, and being present and open in every moment, you can create a powerful company culture. As we know, everything that happens at work is a direct result of your leadership style. When you choose to operate in the present moment, your mind will relax, and you will lead with more authenticity and inclusivity, encouraging those around you to do the same.

Listening to different voices in an organization can be challenging for leaders, especially when they want to foster an inclusive company culture. Those on the team who are not bold or comfortable sharing opinions in group settings can be overshadowed by those who have the loudest voices, so it's up to leaders to ensure everyone's voices are heard, and to help everyone understand the merits of effective communication.

Communicating and listening are two of the biggest soft skills in the leadership arsenal. Learn to leverage your interactions with your people as opportunities to truly engage them instead of simply telling them what to do. They want to know their input counts. When you communicate effectively, your people will be more productive, which in turn, will improve your bottom line.

As a leader, your body language says just as much to others as your words and actions do, so it behooves you to consistently practice this skill in your everyday work. Communication is at the heart of employee engagement and a forward-thinking organization can reap the benefits of self-aware leaders who know how to communicate effectively.

Did you know that, as a leader, showing vulnerability is actually a strength? When you model vulnerability, it has a domino effect across the organization, and people will start performing at their highest level because they feel safe to do so without fear of being judged. Company culture matters now more than ever, so be sure to allow yourself and your people the space to be vulnerable and watch what happens!

For leaders to be courageous in the workplace, they must continually ensure they are not falling into complacency. Those leaders who understand how to lead themselves first, who aren’t afraid to fail, who can face conflict and so much more, are the ones who will create the most innovative and engaged workforce.

Improving productivity while our new world of work continues to unfold requires leaders to challenge assumptions and employ new techniques and approaches. Productivity is not about the amount of time people work. It’s about being more efficient, focused and avoiding burnout. How are you approaching productivity today?

Learning what drives your employees, and engaging them in ways that help them feel valued and motivated, is one of the hallmarks of a successful leader. What level of EQ are you using in your workplace today?