It takes work to become a leader at work and to succeed in your career. We have some handy advice to help you on your way.

Good managers are an essential element of any successful business. Good managers encourage a hard working, productive and effective team that goes above and beyond. Here's some advice to ensure you make the most of your leadership abilities.

1. Be accountable for your decisions
If you want to be a leader at work, learn to take responsibility for everything that you were involved in – that means the successful projects as well as the failures. If you’ve made a mistake, admit to it and move on. Hopefully you’ll learn from your mistakes.

2. Welcome feedback, ideas and criticism
Don’t view criticism as a negative thing – it’s a stepping stone to help you improve. Welcome feedback and encourage criticism and new ideas. A leader needs to be told where they’re going wrong and also how to improve, and the only way to do that is to see things from a different perspective. Other people’s ideas and criticism will help you become a valuable leader.

Invite your employees to review your company, anonymously, on Careers24

3. Always think win-win
There’s no need to be a bully or to be mean to your team if you’re the one dishing out instructions. A positive attitude will boost your ship to new heights and inspire others to be more than they are.  

4. Push the limits
Don’t be afraid to try new things at work. Take a risk. Do something that might put you out of your comfort zone. Leaders are risk takers and are not afraid to try what they believe could make a change. Start with something small – take the project no one else wants and run with it.

5. There are opportunities everywhere
Look around – there are opportunities to lead everywhere. Chances are you probably weren’t looking closely enough. For example, if there’s a project that no one else wants to run with, put up your hand and take the reins.  If you don’t see opportunities everywhere, you’re missing out.

6. Give
If you have knowledge on a topic, or two, share it. If you can help others in any way, do so. Share your thoughts, your ideas and welcome the critics to share their comments – it’s the only way you’ll learn and come up with new ideas. The more you open up, the more you’ll be enriched and the better leader you will become at work.