J. Kent's Blog - Articles for Employers and Job Seekers

10 Top Leadership Skills – How Do You Rate?

Posted by: Karen Booher on July 15th, 2021

Leadership is a universal skill that is more connected to people than it is to the role itself. And, as qualifications may come and go, the ability to lead well is consistently required for success in just about any career. From doctors to engineers to mechanics to office workers, leadership skills matter in just about every industry.

For a workplace to be healthy, productive, and consistent, quality leadership skills from managers and team leaders are a must. A job is not just about getting the work done. It is just as much about working in collaboration with others – from understanding perspectives and managing conflicts, to building working relationships and quality teams.

Peruse the following list of key leadership skills. What areas are you strong in? What areas could use improvement?

1. Inspires Motivation

For a leader to be successful, they must motivate those around them to achieve more, go the extra mile, and – simply put – just do better in their work. It must go beyond just verbal encouragement; it should include offering team members tangible rewards for their effort through recognition, more responsibility, and even physical or monetary rewards. Providing employees with better autonomy.

2. Communication

It is no surprise that leaders need first-rate communication skills. Being open to discussing issues, solving problems, or forming objectives with employees are all vital elements of good leadership. A leader will also have to chair team meetings, give presentations, and liaise effectively with clients.

3. Positivity and Empathy

In any workplace, positivity can provide the extra support that employees need during stressful times. Excellent skills in empathy, relatability, and friendliness, as well as the ability to effectively manage conflict and stress are good indicators of positive leadership.

4. Delegation

A great leader will know that delegating work, rather than taking it all on themselves, is the vital ingredient to successful projects. Knowing when to delegate work effectively also indicates that the leader can identify the strengths and weaknesses of their colleagues. Leaders will use expectations, performance, and resources to ensure that the work is completed as a team.

5. Creativity

When it comes to finding the right answers or making the best decisions, the solution is not always a straight line. That is why it is vital for leaders to have creativity when it comes to their responses. A strong leader is not afraid to take the less-used path.

6. Trustworthiness and Integrity

If employees are uncomfortable or unwilling to approach a leader, then the trust between the leader and their team is broken. When employees believe in their leader’s integrity, it is beneficial for honesty and accountability in the workplace. A trusted leader is a far more effective one.

7. Responsibility

As a leader, the responsibility for both failures and successes should be on your shoulders. This means taking full ownership for the actions of yourself or your team, as well as being willing to accept blame and seek solutions when required.

8. Time Management

A leader’s responsibility is not just in managing workplace relationships. It is also vital that they take a view of the bigger picture when it comes to the completion of work, especially managing timelines and schedules. Providing realistic deadlines, communicating them clearly, and understanding the need for flexibility is vital.

9. Influence

Whether it is encouraging an employee to “buy-in” to a project, step outside their comfort zone, or improve productivity, a leader should have the influence to encourage that improvement. A positive influence is a vital skill that will help a leader support their colleagues and encourage them to go further and do more.

10. Decisiveness

Understanding what decision to make and when to make it is a must for any good leader. Being able to provide answers to questions promptly and effectively ensures that schedules are not interrupted, and forward progress is being made. Great leaders recognize the need to make tough, and sometimes unpopular decisions.


Source:

HR News Library, Jun 28, 2021, “Leadership Skills: Top Tips & Best Practices”, by WikiJob.

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