Leaders are not born, they are made.
Here are 12 essential leadership skills which anyone can cultivate if they want to be great leaders.
1. Vision
A leader has vision. You need to know where you’re going if you want to lead others.
2. Passion
A leader without passion is a paper pusher. Or a taskmaster. Passion drives a lot, and you can inspire your team through your passion and enthusiasm. You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing! Share your dreams and vision with your team - remember, the leader sets the tone.
3. Focus
A good leader never loses sight of the finish line. It is so easy to be distracted with 101 things, you as a leader, need to have laser-sharp focus
4. Integrity
Above all, have integrity - regardless of the circumstances. Leaders who consistently do the right thing will move steadily upwards and earns the respect of the team members and customers.
5. Courage
There will be times when you face tough decisions or situations. Don’t ignore the problems - face it head on. You must have the courage to do what needs to be done if you want your company to grow and prosper.
6. Leadership By Example
You’re a Leader, and you lead by example. If you’re always late for meetings, don’t expect your team members to be early. Nobody respects a leader that says “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say”. Do you want to earn the respect of your team members? Then lead by example.
7. Delegate
A leader must learn to delegate effectively. The key to delegation is to give your team members/followers ‘ownership’ of the work you’ve assigned them. They need to feel that they ‘own’ the work that you’ve given them.
8. Take Ownership and Responsibility.
You’re responsible for the “Big Picture”. Yes, you have delegated work to your team, but you are responsible to make sure each team member delivers. Your team members need tot know that you’re right there, giving them the support needed to complete the project.
9. Communication.
Many projects failed because of poor communication. You as the leader need to communicate your ideas, your vision to the team members. You are also the facilitator for the entire group. YOu need to make sure each team member knows what the other person is doing, so that all of you move together cohersively as an effective team.
10. Listen
Communication is a 2 way process. You share your vision and goals with your team. You also need to listen to them, hear their views, concerns and suggestions. This is what makes you a great leader. A great leader listens and values the input of his/her team members.
11. Encouragement
There’s nothing like a pat on the back to brighten one’s day. There will be times when your team members are down, or need a kind word or encouragement. YOu as the team leader has to be sensitive to your team members. A pat on the back, a casual chat over coffee will boost morale.
12. Be a Follower
Yes, that’s right. You’re a leader, but you must also be a follower of other great leaders. We do not know everything, and each day, we grow and learn new things. A great leader must also be humble.
Remember, nobody becomes great leaders overnight. It takes time, practice and perseverance. If you will put these 12 principles into practise, your team people will be happy to go on the journey with you.
To your Success!
Jim