In other words, can you improve your leadership abilities? Is leadership a talent or a skill?
This was a hotly debated subject at our recent discussion group.
Many of the younger professionals believed that leaders were born… not made.
But the older contributors were all in agreement that it is possible… and indeed essential, for anyone who wishes to become a leader….
And more importantly…. A GOOD leader…. to grow and develop certain skills.
But what skills do leaders need?
The list seems to be endless… everywhere you look, there are different ideas.
Discretion / Focus / Time Management / Conflict Management / Problem Solving / Coach / Compromise Expert / Delegation / Persuasion / Orator / Presenter / Negotiator / etc….
Becoming an expert in everything is not required… nor is it even possible!
What are the most important traits of a great leader?
Let’s look at some of the most famous leaders in the world for inspiration and see if they have traits in common.
Abraham Lincoln Martin Luther King Winston Churchill Nelson Mandela Mother Teresa
- They started with a vision (in Martin Luther Kings words… ‘I have a dream’)
- They created the strategic plan of achieving this vision.
- They started taking relevant action… communicating the vision, inspiring people to join and collaborate and they worked with integrity and enthusiasm.
Sound familiar?
These traits are all important skills to have.
Many others are vital too….problem solving, decision making, empathy, presentation skills, multitasking, and emotional regulation
Some people have more natural ability than others for different areas.
All skills require development and practice.
Managers do not automatically obtain leadership skills upon receiving a promotion, and many workers show leadership potential without having a title.
So…. How DO you develop leadership skills?
The best way to develop leadership skills is to tackle new responsibilities on the job.
- Seek out opportunities to develop the skills that you need.
- Volunteer to make that presentation or lead a team on a project.
- Take courses that are offered in the workplace. You will learn or improve a skill and network with other ambitious individuals too.
- Practice problem solving and multitasking in your daily work life mindfully.
See these situations as opportunities to improve your leadership skills! Thrive on it.
By seeking out opportunities and challenges, you can gain experience and improve your abilities.
Perhaps the greatest trait an aspiring leader can possess is the willingness and ability to reflect, learn, and improve.
