Leadership is not just about having a title; it’s about being able to inspire and influence others as well as guide them to achieve the same goal. In order to be an effective leader in today’s rapidly changing environment you will need a good mix of both soft skills, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. Whether you are leading a team at work, school, or within the community developing the correct leadership skills will separate yourself from others.
Here are the top 10 leadership skills that all successful leaders must possess and why they are important.
1.Communication Skills
Effective communication is the foundation of good leadership. A good leader communicates his/her vision clearly with his/her team members, listens intently to his/her team members as well as ensures that each member knows what his/her role is within the organization.
Why this matters:
- Reduces misunderstandings
- Develops trust and transparency among co-workers
- Keeps team members aligned and motivated toward achieving a common goal
2.Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions as well as being able to empathetically understand and relate to others. Leaders with high levels of EQ create comfortable and supportive work environments for their employees.
The main advantages include:
- Resolving conflicts more effectively
- Increase strength of team relationships
- Increase morale of team members
3.Making decisions
An influential leader(s) will make smart decisions using fact-based data, even under stress. They will take time to gather all the facts first, then investigate all of the options, and finally, accept full ownership of the result.
A good decision-maker:
- Maintains composure in the face of adversity
- Utilizes both logic and intuition to make decisions
- Learns from successes and mistakes
4.Showing integrity and ethics
Integrity creates trust and influence. A leader who demonstrates honesty, ethics and fairness will gain lasting respect from their team members.
Integrity means:
- Doing what is right, no matter how hard it may be
- Keeping your word
- Leading by example
5.Flexibility
In today’s world, everything changes frequently. Flexible and open-minded leaders will develop multiple strategies that accommodate the changing world to meet the evolving needs of their team members.
A flexible leader is someone who:
1)Adopts New Technologies To Improve Efficiency And Effectiveness
2)Is Confident And Able To Deal With Challenges Rapidly And Practically
3)Will Facilitate A Smooth Transition For Team Members During Times Of Change
6.Problem Solving Ability
Every leader Must Overcome Obstacles; Therefore, They Must Be Able To Identify Any Obstacle Or Hindrance That There Is, And Will Develop Effective Methods That Will Help Resolve The Issue.
A good problem solver is one Who:
1)Uses Critical Thinking Skills
2)Encourages And Supports The Generation Of New And Creative Ideas
3)Focuses On Solutions Rather Than Blames
7.Team Building Ability
A Leader Does Not Accomplish His Or Her Goals All Alone; Great Leaders Will Build Strong Teams And Develop All Team Members To Be Their Best.
An Effective Team Builder Recognizes The Strengths Of Others And Is Willing To:
1)Promote Working Together
2)Encourage Creating A Feeling Of Inclusion By All Team Members
8.Leadership Vision And Strategic Planning
Every Leader Should Have A Clear Vision Of Where They Believe Their Future Will Be, And Create A Strategy/Plan For Accomplishing That Vision.
Visionary Leaders Will:
1)Set Specific Goals
2)Think Long-Term
3)Collectively Align Their Daily Activities With Their Long-Term Goals
9: Accountability
Accountability is assuming responsibility for both enhancing performance and failing to meet expectations. A leader with the courage to take charge of their actions creates an environment of trust and respect. Among the leaders who are accountable are those who would;
Admit they made an error,
Recognize their team’s success and
Hold staff accountable to set or agreed-upon standards.
10: Motivation/Inspiration
A great leader creates an environment where team members are motivated to perform at their highest level. The primary means for leaders to motivate team members is by motivating through praise, recognition, or a common purpose. Inspiring leaders will;
Recognize their team’s achievements,
Create a culture of growth and
Lead by example (with passion and a positive attitude).
Summary
The leadership qualities mentioned are not qualities that you’re born with but instead develop through learning and practice over time. By working in these 10 specific areas and focusing on being a better leader now and in the future is key to your development as an individual. Ultimately, continued personal development leads to a more confident, effective, and respected leader in all areas of your life.
Whether you’re starting out on your leadership journey or looking to develop as a leader, develop on a consistent basis— Remember, great leaders continuously expand their knowledge 🌱
