There are two kinds of leaders in this world: those who are put on the “throne” only to fail, and those who try their best to succeed. We all know our fair share if leaders who, throughout history, caused havoc and didn’t even succeed with their little “projects.”
However, those who succeed all have a set of common skills and abilities. Here are 6 of the most important skills.
-
Table of Contents
Listening
Nothing unnerves a team member more than knowing that they are not paid attention to. And if there’s anything that we’ve noticed among successful leaders, it’s that they all have the ability to listen to those who have the “weaker” voice.
If you are in a meeting with your peers, offer them your undivided attention and don’t try to be a know-it-all dictator. Instead, take notes, accept judgment, and be open to ideas.
-
Motivating
If you have the ability to motivate and inspire your team members, then you definitely have the right to be called a great leader. You need to make your employees believe that what you are doing actually makes a difference. By doing so, your project will definitely succeed.
-
Communication
You can’t be a good leader unless you can actually communicating with your team members. Talk with your peers, exchange ideas, and figure out tactics to make the environment more productive.
When you communicate, you should also show courtesy and confidence. Use facts to back up your statements and avoid evasive words such as “maybe,” “might,” “possibly,” and so on.
-
Saying “No”
As a leader, it’s important to know when you should say “yes” and when you should say “no.” Still, how you say no is just as important. You need to be sensitive about the matter and not make them feel like the lowest creature of the food chain.
When saying no, try to empathize with them. Make them know that you do understand what they want to say, and offer a reason for your “no.”
-
Negotiating
A great team leader knows how to negotiate. Regardless if it’s with their employees, their clients, or their family, they should know how to be considerate and fair while still pushing for their achievements.
To be a good negotiator, try to look at things through the other person’s eyes. Have several other options ready so that the end result is fair to both parties.
-
Criticizing
A good team leader will have the skill of offering not criticism, but constructive criticism to their team members. If you see that your employees are not performing the way they should, talk to them in private while looking for solutions for this problem. Remember, you want to make them feel like they can improve, not send them spiraling down into depression.
If you want to be a better leader, you may also find some good leadership courses here. Even the best will have to learn so that they remain in their position of power.
About Carson Derrow
