#46 - Are these the core leadership skills you need?
29 Jan 25
When you're starting out as a leader, where do you start in terms of developing the skills you need to succeed?
Everyone has a view, and whilst most people know instantly what great leadership is when they see it, seeking universal agreement on a common set of skills has not been possible.
Here is a 'good starter for 10' though...until a revision is required!
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#46 - Are these the core leadership skills you need?
What?
When starting out in leadership it can be bewildering to identify the key skills required of an effective leader. Depending on who you speak to, you will get a different view every time.
Going to Amazon or Google doesn't help either. The sheer volume of books and articles covering 'leadership skills' is huge and shows no sign of abating or moving towards a common agreement.
Those new to leadership could be forgiven for simply giving up and adopting those skills that are exercised by others. This of course is not the answer since 'what works for me may not work for you.' Also, certain role models will be further into their leadership journey, and are also likely to be more mature in their approach.
If someone simply emulates another then they are moving away from what 'authentic' leadership actually is. Clones are definitely not the answer!
The issue then is trying to determine where best to apply focus to get the best return on investment.
Why?
Bizarre then that it is almost universally acknowledged that when people see great leadership, it seems to stand out and be universally instantly recognisable. Even though this is the case, commentators are still unable to agree a common set of traits or skills.
Quite simply, everyone has a view and great leadership is always going to be subjective to a certain extent. It is partly down to the fact that leadership exists in a multitude of environments requiring a myriad of approaches.
There is no 'one size fits all' model that can or should be adopted. So it is down to the individual to determine what might be appropriate within the operating context that the individual is operating within .
Frustrating isn't it!!!
How?
Anyway, I'm going to break that cycle of uncertainty now! (Bold statement!)
Over the years I have coached 100s of leaders at various stages of their leadership journeys. What I have found is that there is actually some commonality. And if you look at this through a fuzzy prism, and note these skills down with an unsharpened pencil, then it could be said that the list below is a 'good starter for 10.'
So what are these skills?:
- Know Yourself - It goes without saying that a leader should be able to lead themselves before they expect to lead others. Knowing your 'operating envelope' and self-regulating is key,
- Know Your Job - You may not need to know the 'nuts and bolts' and get down in the tactical weeds, but you should have general expertise that you are able to call upon to assist your team or be able to provide direction and guidance or top-cover,
- Understand People - People are your most important resource. Knowing how they operate, how to motivate them, how to 'read' them is key to getting the best out of them,
- Build confidence and self-belief - Becoming confident in your own abilities will reflect out to your team and allow them to trust you, which in turn provides consistency and assurance,
- Planning, Prioritising and Productivity - As a leader you will be inundated with work. The ability to plan, prioritise and focus on 'what moves the needle' is key when leading yourself and your team,
- Communicating and Influencing - Most mistakes occur as a result of no or bad communications. Equally, being able to convey your intent to a sceptical audience relies on the ability of the leader to exert influence.
- Decision-making - This is what leaders are paid to do!
- Conflict Management - It won't always be a bed of roses. Conflicts will occur and your ability to manage and resolve them is key,
- Managing stress and preventing overwhelm - Protect yourself at all times by setting boundaries and keeping it real! Your health is non-negotiable,
- The Incomplete Leader and the Importance of Delegation - You can't do everything! Most great things have been achieved through effective collaboration and delegation. Accept what you cannot do and outsource it,
- Relationships and Stakeholder Management - This will take up an inordinate amount of time as you manage expectations and smooth the way to hitting your goals,
- Building your Brand and Career Planning - What do you want to be known for? How are you taking charge of your career and building your brand?
There you have it! I reckon I deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for coming up with that list. Sadly though, I sense I will get some pushback and alternatives suggested.
But then that is the joy of being passionate about leadership development!
In Summary
I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.
It may be a controversial list but it's a start! If anything it should go some way to taking the angst out of leadership development. It provides some focus to allow new leaders to apportion their time effectively to achieve the best return on investment in their time.
In all honesty, I may well be revising this list next year hahaha!!
Have a great week!
Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:
- Resources - Reading is an essential component to developing your own authentic leadership style. Check out my resources page for really inspiring books which I have found invaluable within my own leadership journey,
- Coach Station - Singular issue 60 minute coaching sessions,
- Coach Journey - Bespoke coaching packages of 6 or 12 sessions for transformative change,
- Schedule Optimiser - Online course allowing you to take back control of your diary.
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