Do you know how to improve your leadership skills, or are you okay with being a follower?
Steve Jobs had once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” Truer words have never been spoken.
It is impossible to remain relevant in the 21st century, lead productive teams, and drive innovation without proper leadership skills. As they say, “leaders make or break companies.”
True leaders make innovative actions and talent management look easy. Guess what? You can do it too— if you understand how to improve your leadership skills day by day.
“But how do I improve leadership skills on my own?” you may ask. This is a smart question. Keep reading.
The key ingredients in improving your leadership skills are discipline, empathy, and proper communication skills. Taken aback by the easy answer? Let see what the experts say on the topic.
In Leadership Is An Art, the former CEO of Herman Miller, Max De Pree discusses the importance of good relationships and the art of communication. The focus on relationships and communication has improved the careers of many aspiring leaders.
We can agree that people are not born leaders. Most professionals work hard to develop their leadership skills by learning people and communication skills— and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle. You, too, can do the same.
Tips on how to improve your leadership skills
Start with projecting a leader’s attitude, mindset, and vibe. Decide to take responsibility and take risks to lead— instead of hiding behind what others do or don’t do. And then, focus on learning, reading, and positioning yourself as a thought leader and influencer in your field. But how?
You can take the following actions:
- Read the top 7 books on developing leadership skills
- Care for others and solve interesting problems
- Be a good listener and speak only to add value to conversations
- Learn to follow well before leading
- Motivate and inspire others that work with you
- Lead from behind by influencing decisions— or getting support for your ideas
- Have a disciplined and respectful lifestyle
- Develop productive and genuine communication skills
- Navigate towards experts and influential people
- Have proper work ethics and a value-based system
- Never stop trying and be decisive
- Overall, study office politics and the laws of power
Do you need guidance to create a system to improve your leadership skills? Email the CBL Team now and check out our book: Creating Winning Career Systems. Please share this post with your smart friends.
PS: A few posts that you might have missed:
- A Daily Mistake That Devalues Even Smart Professionals
- Want a Rewarding Career? Avoid this Employee Performance Appraisal Trap
- Why Employee Training Might be Hurting Your Career and Professional Development Efforts
- Why Smart and Ambitious Employees Refuse to Bet and Rely on Career Goals
- How to Use Critical Thinking Skills to Look Sharp and Well-Informed
- Why Hiring Mistakes Shouldn’t Destroy your Job Search Strategies
