Are leaders born or made? Here are two leadership theories:
Trait Theory:
This is when leadership is inherent so we must identify the leader based on traits.
Behavioural Theory:
This is when leadership is a skill set and can be taught to anyone. You should identify behaviours to teach potential leaders.
We believe the essentials of leadership can be taught to anyone with the right mindset.
But what should we teach them?
Here are 20 leadership skills and behaviours which all good leader’s display. This list is not comprehensive but it is a great starting point!
Visionary:
Successful leaders have a clear and inspiring vision for the future and they can communicate it effectively to their team. This is a vision for the company, team, individuals and team as wide reaching as the industry.
Adaptability:
Leaders must be flexible and able to adjust their strategies in response to changing circumstances in the company and team as well as market dynamics.
Decisiveness:
Making timely and informed decisions is a crucial trait for leaders as it keeps the organisation and team moving forward.
Integrity:
Trust is essential in leadership and Leaders with strong moral and ethical principles earn the trust of their teams and stakeholders.
Communication skills:
Effective communication is vital for conveying ideas resolving conflicts and motivating teams. This needs to be across all areas: face to face, telephone, electronically etc
Empathy:
Understanding and caring about the needs and feelings of team members fosters strong relationships and a positive work environment. This interlinks with a good emotional intelligence.
Confidence:
Having confidence in oneself and the team’s abilities can Inspire confidence in others and drive success.
Resilience:
Leaders must be able to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude even in challenging situations. This resilience can in turn rub off on the rest of the team.
Accountability:
Taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions sets a strong example for the team.
Strategic thinking:
Leaders need to think long term, set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Innovation:
Encouraging creativity and Innovation within the team can lead to new opportunities and growth. Lean and Six Sigma is a great way to encourage this thinking.
Empowerment:
Empowering team members by delegating authority and responsibility can lead to increased motivation and productivity.
Conflict resolution:
Effective leaders can address conflicts constructively and find solutions that benefit the team and the organisation quickly without it escalating into a problem.
Team building:
Building and nurturing high performing teams is a critical leadership skill. Start by looking at if you have the right team members and then how effectively the team work together.
Open-mindedness:
Being open to new ideas and feedback from team members can lead to better decision- making and Innovation.
Cultural awareness:
In today’s globalised world leaders need to be culturally sensitive and inclusive in their approach.
Tech savvy:
Leaders need a good understanding of technology and its impact on their industry, company, and team. It changes fast and they need to keep up with it and encourage their team to do the same.
Networking building:
maintaining a strong professional network can provide valuable support and opportunities.
Time management:
Effective leaders know how to prioritise tasks and manage their time efficiently.
Continuous learning:
Leaders should have a thirst for knowledge and be committed to personal and professional growth in themselves and their team.
You can also watch the video on leadership skills over on our YouTube channel here:
For more information on our leadership and management training please contact Sales Training International on +44 (0) 1704 889325 or email info@salestrainingint.com for more information.
