Top 10 Leadership Skills That You Need To Develop
Table of Contents
- Jaro education
- 17, January 2025
- 11:00 am
There is a popular belief that “the best leaders are born with natural leadership skills.” Well, that’s not true. Contrary to this belief, the skills and strengths of a leader are often developed through hard work and a focused effort to hone these qualities. Good leaders become better leaders when they are open to seizing opportunities, accepting feedback, and participating in the company’s growth as needed.
If you want to learn how to be an effective leader, you must be aware of the top 10 crucial leadership skills and take the necessary steps to implement those qualities within yourself.
Let’s understand them one by one in this blog, and we will also guide you on how you can become an effective leader by enrolling in the right course.
10 Important Leadership Skills Required for the Workplace
*Forbes
Bad leaders are easily pointed out, but what makes a good leader? As you begin to understand who you are and what you want to become, it will help you become a better leader. However, there are some key leadership skills that most leaders aim to develop. These include:
Integrity
Naturally, the most important leadership quality at the top of the list is integrity. According to the Centre for Creative Leadership, integrity is especially crucial for those who aspire to hold executive leadership roles at some point in their careers.
When making decisions for the company, an honest leader bases their choices on their own moral principles and beliefs. A person with a strong sense of integrity is driven to act ethically simply because it is the right thing to do. Whether working in solitude or addressing a public audience, they will consistently make the same choice.
Self-Awareness
The capacity to recognise how your choices, thoughts, and behaviours affect other people is known as self-awareness. Thus, self-awareness is another important leadership skill that allows you to recognise the unique talents and shortcomings in your organisation or team. This also helps a leader work on weaknesses and use their potential to build a team that contributes to the organisation’s productivity.
Furthermore, as a self-aware leader with emotional intelligence, you would be able to assign work to other team members appropriately, especially when you recognise that you have enough on your plate to handle.
Negotiation
To develop a solution that works for everyone, two or more parties must engage in dialogue. Consequently, a formal agreement, such as a contract, or a less formal verbal agreement may be reached between you and the other party. All sides can be heard when negotiation is employed as a leadership skill to promote equality and justice. When disputes are resolved through negotiation, colleagues and employees may feel better understood.
Understanding each party’s interests and striving to find a solution that works for everyone is essential to effective negotiation.
Communication
This is another important skill that every leader must possess. A leader who is not a good communicator is also not an effective leader. A leader with strong communication skills knows how to work, what to say, and how to convey messages to stakeholders and team members. You must also be ready to listen to others and understand their needs.
A leader with effective communication abilities can give instructions in a clear, concise, and well-organised manner. They also maintain an open-door policy, which lets the team know that they are always available to listen.
Team building
A capable leader is like a football manager, who only selects strong players to make sure that the match is successfully won. Similarly, in a diverse workplace, effective team building involves more than just forming a team; it also entails utilising the strengths of various viewpoints and experiences to achieve success as a group. Here are some ways that workplace leadership contributes to the development of a high-achieving team:
- Move Beyond Individuality: Remember that a diverse team combines different strengths, cultures, and ways of communicating to create something dynamic and effective.
- Establish Channels of Inclusive Communication: Promote open discussion that welcomes other points of view. Regardless of background or language difficulties, lead conversations where everyone feels free to express their opinions.
Growth Mindset
The idea that people may grow and adapt even after making a mistake or experiencing a setback is known as a growth mindset. A person who has a growth mindset is aware that they can keep improving their abilities and skills to become a better version of themselves.
Leaders who have worked on developing a growth mindset are often more resilient, flexible, and adaptable. A person who has a highly positive attitude does not give up when faced with hardship. Rather, they feel equipped to take on the challenge and get over the obstacles they come across.
Patience
Patience is more than a virtue; it is an important leadership skill that may improve with time. The best leaders are known to be patient, tolerant, and understanding. They see the flaws in themselves and their team members and are willing to make mistakes and grow from them.
To be a great leader is not to be passive or to tolerate anything less than quality work; it involves providing guidance and support in a positive and nurturing work environment where those you are leading have the freedom to reach their maximum potential.
Optimism
This is another leadership skill that makes an admired leader. A leader with optimistic behaviour can always stay positive in the face of adversity. And they really believe that success can be achieved with hard work and improvement over time.
While optimistic leaders can look on the bright side, it’s important to note that they do not necessarily ignore negative experiences or frustrating setbacks. They acknowledge these situations and look at them through a positive lens. They also recognise a challenge and take it as an opportunity to grow and improve.
So, as an optimistic leader, you can inspire your team to adopt a more positive outlook and focus on the best aspects of any situation.
Decision-Making
Decision-making is an important skill in effective leadership, and the best leaders can easily make well-informed and fair decisions. The fact of the matter is that when you are in a leadership position, you have a team that is relying on you. You are the person who is always ready to show the right direction to your team. Thus, they expect you to take it. Clear decisions will not only benefit team members but also help companies grow and succeed.
Those with other leadership skills, such as trust, courage, and integrity, are better decision-makers for their organisation.
Transparency
Transparency has long been an important leadership skill for managers. A transparent leader makes decisions without secrecy and is willing to explain why a specific plan has been put into place. In addition, a transparent leader is willing to accept feedback from those around them and take the actions needed to adapt accordingly.
Transparency instils confidence in the team, as they know why certain decisions have been made and what the plan is for moving forward. When you try to be transparent, you are more likely to earn the trust and respect of those working under you.
*sracorporatechange.com.au
How to Become an Effective Leader?
If you’re wondering how to develop leadership skills, let us tell you that to shine as a leader, you must engage in consistent learning and personal development. You can achieve this by enhancing your knowledge, which will help you become a better leader in the workplace. Below are some ways to become an effective leader.
Experience
Leadership experience may come from experience. So, take on new responsibilities or projects that push you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to grow and learn from real-world situations.
Courses and Training
If you want more formal training, consider enrolling in several training courses. These courses can be wonderful opportunities for you to learn new skills, refine your current talents, and lay a foundation for a successful career in leadership.
Certifications
Besides attending courses, a certification in leadership gives your qualifications an edge over others. These programs typically equip candidates with both practical skills and certificates, which often enhance a candidate’s resume and improve their chances in the organisation’s selection process. Below are two major programs offered by a prestigious university that can help you learn the essential leadership and managerial qualities needed to climb the corporate ladder. Let’s explore what they cover.
| Programme Name | Institution | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Management Programme | IIM Tiruchirappalli | IIM Tiruchirappalli’s Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Management helps aspiring leaders advance in their careers. This programme is designed for professionals looking to enhance their management skills by covering key business areas and developing leadership qualities. Participants will explore essential business concepts and theories, gaining valuable insights to succeed in senior roles. The programme promotes interdisciplinary thinking and equips you with the tools needed for effective leadership. |
| New Age Management Programme for Senior Professionals | IIM Kozhikode | The New Age Management for Senior Professionals Programme at IIM Kozhikode is designed to enhance your perspective on modern business challenges. Aimed at experienced managers, this programme helps you anticipate trends, adapt strategies, and understand context. It's perfect for ambitious executives looking to build essential leadership skills for today’s complex environment. You'll gain insights into emerging technologies and learn to inspire diverse teams for optimal results, transforming you into a skilled senior leader. |
How Can Jaro Education Help You?
Jaro Education is one of the renowned online higher education and upskilling companies, providing every learner with dedicated academic support and career counselling. With us, you can take the benefit of Jaro Connect, which allows you to build networking with alumni and a great learning experience for all participants. The company is associated with multiple prestigious universities and colleges that offer up-to-date and standard certification and degree programmes. In addition, Jaro acts as a marketing and technology partner for most of the programmes offered by IIM and IITs.
If you’re enrolling in the Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Management Programme offered by IIM Tiruchirappalli in partnership with Jaro Education, you are eligible to access Jaro Expedite – Career Booster benefits. They are:
- Resume Building: We create and refine ATS-friendly resumes that showcase your skills and achievements, helping you stand out in the job market.
- LinkedIn Profile Optimisation: Our tailored tips enhance your LinkedIn profile, boosting visibility and connecting you with industry leaders.
- Career Enhancement Sessions: Join our Jaro Connect platform for boot camps and masterclasses led by experts. Stay updated on trends and sharpen your skills for success in today’s fast-paced business world.
The Bottom Line
Leadership skills can significantly enhance your career and help you effectively manage projects and teams in both your personal and social life. Want to develop or refine your leadership abilities? Check out online courses on Education Mitra from top universities and educators that can elevate your career. Take the first step—enroll in one of these programs today!
- Post Graduate Certificate in Senior Management Programme offered by IIM Tiruchirappalli
- New Age Management Programme for Senior Professionals offered by IIM Kozhikode
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