Have you come across an individual within your workplace who is receiving consistent rises, bonuses and other perks, which are not available to the rest? Do you get the feeling that life is perhaps unfair as you are not a recipient of similar benefits? Is it likely that the individual could be displaying specific leadership skills which you may not have in possession? It is quite possible that the management within your workplace has recognized certain traits within the person concerned. As such, the management could be investing in his or her leadership skills, which are essential for people slated to hold responsible positions. Let us consider the skills which the management would have noticed.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” — John C. Maxwell
The Willingness To Succeed
The individual spoken about within this discussion could have displayed an intention to succeed against the odds. They could be prepared to have talks with new members within the team with the sole aim of understanding where they can fit within the organization. They could have shown the ability to explain the expectations from the organization to the new member while also making an attempt to find out how they expect to grow, and the inputs they need from the organization to achieve their desired objectives.
Efficient leadership skills require an individual to understand the things that are right even when it may be difficult or could cause financial losses. An effective leader is acutely aware that focusing on short-term gains could result in long-term costs. Furthermore, information is also available to them that they will receive the backing of their team if they are prepared for appropriate actions despite things not being easy. They are usually ready to back their words with their actions.
Once they have established their mission and communicated their objectives, they do not hesitate to expect results from the team. They are willing to set goals. Achieving these goals is tough, but they know that they will have the backing of their team, especially when they are in a corner.
Encouraging Communication With Team Members
People who display effective leadership skills are not the type of individuals to stay away from day-to-day activities. They understand that their team has a significant role to play in the process of decision-making. They often make efforts to encourage communication within the team to ensure that team members are comfortable and are willing to share ideas, feedback, and their goals. Their words may not always be liked, but it will definitely understand the team members’ contribution.
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” —Warren Bennis
They embrace feedback and positive criticism
Efficient leaders usually learn to obtain feedback, which is tough. They’re aware that not everyone will like them or be in agreement with their decisions. They are open to reflect on the feedback received and to make adjustments whenever necessary. A good leader also has some drawbacks and, most importantly, does not have answers for everything. Good leaders encourage their team members to give them better knowledge of the things they should or shouldn’t be doing. They also understand many questions. Although they do not always have immediate answers, they always find a solution and communicate it to their team members.
Apart from these skills, effective leaders are usually ready to indulge in certain actions, which set them apart from the rest. Primary among these are:
- They do not overlook mistakes and will take corrective measures immediately.
- Their team along with its members are a priority for them.
- They do not hesitate to reward success, just as they are tough when disciplining failure.
People who are holding responsible positions are often assertive while looking forward to collaborating on ideas and striving hard to influence people around them to develop ideas into action. They are ready to lead, guide and persuade the people around them to achieve the desired results. They believe their best option to meet their objectives lies in building trust and treating every person individually and having the lines of communication open at all times. Individuals who display some or most of these skills have a better opportunity to be recognized as people with leadership competencies. Therefore, they are qualified to hold responsible positions.
