Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Hone leadership skills for success on the job
Successful leaders have the skills to guide organizations on the right path. Such men and women are often the first up for promotions, and are routinely relied on for critical projects. Solidifying your own leadership qualities can be just what you need to land a great job and start climbing the corporate ladder.
Good leaders often share a key array of skills. Below are some of the qualities that make strong workplace leaders.
COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate effectively with all of the people in your work environment and beyond is one of the most essential leadership skills you can possess. Honest communication can build trust, and being open to feedback can ensure that everyone is working toward a common goal. Effectively communicating means knowing when to speak and when to listen.
SELF-MANAGEMENT
It can be challenging to manage or oversee others if you can’t effectively take charge of your own tasks. Being able to self-manage involves gaining control and prioritizing goals and actions. However, it also extends to being able to manage emotions, recognize weaknesses and strengths, and focus attention where it’s needed.
INTEGRITY
Great leaders are trusted by others. Consistently acting with decorum and respect and delivering on your promises will inspire others to trust you. Stick to your core beliefs and values.
CONFIDENCE
Effective leaders have the confidence to make decisions and then stand by them. Note that there is a fine line between assertive confidence and being boastful or cocky. It may take a little while to develop the right balance that encourages others to support your efforts.
DELEGATION
Delegating tasks is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it is a quality consistently found in strong leaders. Being able to efficiently delegate means you have the confidence in others to share responsibilities based on their skill sets. Delegating also promotes teamwork and lets others know you’re not afraid to share success.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Leaders make mistakes just like everyone else. Owning your mistakes, just as you own your accomplishments, is a good trait to have. Placing blame elsewhere when it’s not warranted can diminish others’ trust in you — while taking blame when it’s due will only increase that trust in you.
Leadership skills are valued in all walks of life. Honing such skills can benefit professionals as they look to accomplish their goals and advance their careers.