20 Essential Leadership Skills and How to Develop Them
Some people are natural-born leaders; others work hard to perfect and optimize their leadership skills so they can help their team succeed.
Whether you’re up for a managerial job, you want to impress your boss with your leadership skills or you’re hoping to become a better leader in your current role, there are numerous professional skills and natural qualities you need to possess.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 20 essential leadership skills you need—and how to develop them.
What makes an effective leader?
Strong leadership goes beyond being a good manager. It’s about setting clear and achievable goals for your team to follow, making tough decisions during difficult times, and ensuring there is always an open and clear line of communication within the department.
Top 20 leadership skills
A great leader’s skill set is a varied and comprehensive one — and it should at the very least feature:
1. Effective communication
All great leaders are good communicators — they have the ability to get their point across in a constructive manner and have strong interpersonal skills. They must master all forms of communication, including one-on-ones, company meetings and in written form. You should have the ability to be sensitive to personal situations and give team members the time to share their thoughts and problems.
2. Proactivity
A successful leader doesn’t wait for things to happen; they’re proactive and they anticipate desired results. They identify threats and take action against them. They’re constantly thinking of ways to improve and do better. Whether that goal is business-related or personal, they always strive to do better.
3. Ability to motivate
Good leaders and managers inspire their employees to do better, and they motivate those around them. In fact, a Gallup study found that highly engaged and motivated employees can lead to 21% greater profitability. This can also lead to lower turnover rates and reduced absenteeism.
This fire in their belly comes from their passion and pride to be the best and to achieve more than they ever expected. And as the great Maya Angelou once said: “Nothing will work unless you do.” So, if you want to encourage, you need to show people how.
4. Organization
Organizational skills are crucial in management positions. You need to be able to handle a number of different projects and spend ample time on each, ensuring you meet deadlines. If you lack this quality, you should find techniques and methods to help you be more organized.
5. Confidence
Confidence is important in this role, as people will look at you to learn how to behave, particularly when things are going pear-shaped. If you remain calm and confident in all situations, you’ll teach your staff to carry the same air and morale.
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