Developing Key Leadership Skills

Not everyone is born a leader. Some simply have the gift of directing others and taking command, whereas for others it doesn’t come so naturally. This is not a negative thing, and isn’t something to be ashamed of. However, it is true that in most professional situations you will be expected in some capacity to act as a leader. It may be simply directing a contractor, organising a small project, or taking responsibility for a new task. For the not-so-natural leaders, working at developing key leadership skills is essential.

Fortunately, some are relatively straightforward, and you can begin building them yourself. They include:

• Being organised. A good leader knows what’s going on and when it should be happening and can manage projects effectively.
• Delegating. For some this is one of the most uncomfortable aspects of leadership, but it is crucial to let go and trust other people to take on tasks.
• Communicating. Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. Discuss projects and decisions with your team, and make sure everyone is clear on their tasks and purpose.
• Listening and understanding. One of the key leadership skills often overlooked is connecting properly with those you are directing, and addressing their style of work and communication to get the best from them. Being able to listen to others and understand their point of view is an important leadership skill.

Taking command when you are not a natural leader can be intimidating, but it needn’t limit your career growth. By focusing on developing key leadership skills, you can learn steps and strategies for managing yourself, other people and projects alike. If you would like to step up to the challenge and broaden your skill base, contact us.

Related articles from our Leadership Blog:

• Success In A New Leadership Role: Your First 90 Days Are Crucial
• Tolerating Poor Management or Leadership – It’s Not a Winning Strategy
• Leadership Breakthrough: How Some Leaders Develop Significantly Over a Short Period
• Leadership Development: Smart Investment or Unnecessary Overhead?
• Addressing Under Performance With Leaders
• Leadership or Executive Coaching: Who Needs It?

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