The things about leadership skills that no one tells you
Great leaders, just like diamonds, aren’t born – they’re made.
Here’s how you can step up your game and become the leader people respect, follow, and trust.
1. Practice is the Ultimate Preach
There’s a wonderful and terrible thing about skills. It’s wonderful because all it requires is work. It’s terrible because… well, skills require work. In the age of information, we have somehow turned averse to the idea of practice. We want to first see and then ultimately just know. You watch a video, you attend a workshop, you’re reading this blog right now. Just like changing our lives needs changing our lives, to become skilled at something we need to learn it, try it, apply it and most importantly, practice it to perfect it. Almost everything we ever do in our lives is learned behaviour. Driving a car, riding a bike, reading a book or even walking!
2. The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Managers with technical skills know how to manage their work but managers with emotional intelligence – the ability to understand people and their emotions effectively – is what makes them great leaders.
With demanding work and stringent deadlines, it is essential to practice:
- Regular Self-reflection
- Observing Triggers
- Pausing Before Reacting
- Using Positive Self-talk
- Practicing Mindfulness
3. Beyond Communication Skills
Communication isn’t everything. Comprehension and interpretation is. You can articulate your thoughts with precision, but if the listener doesn’t grasp the language, the message is lost. True communication is about clarity, comprehension, and connection. The best leaders ensure their message resonates, persuades, and inspires action.
4. Value Your Team as Much as Your Clients
Richard Branson once said, “Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business.”
Your greatest asset isn’t your client or the product – it’s your employees. Invest in them, empower them, and watch your business thrive.
5. The End of the One-Size-Fits-All Era
To lead effectively, one must go beyond management. The best leaders evolve and adapt.
Take the time to understand what motivates each team member. Some thrive on creative freedom, while others need structured guidance. A leader’s strength lies in recognizing these differences and shaping an environment where everyone can excel.
6. If You Want to Be Heard, You Must Actively Listen
Active listening – the ability to comprehend verbal and non-verbal cues – an underestimated superpower.
Practicing active listening with follow-up open-ended questions with the intent of understanding instead of responding, fosters a culture of compassion, collaboration, and innovation. Studies show that employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to do their best work. (Salesforce Research, 2021).
7. Go Back to Basics and Spend Some Time There
Few leaders stay involved in the daily grind – the very place they once started. If you’re a Creative Director at an agency, chances are you began as a hungry, ambitious copywriter. But as you climb the ladder, delegation and supervision take over, leaving little room for the craft that got you there. Make the time. Write, brainstorm, get your hands dirty. Staying connected to the work not only sharpens your skills but also earns you the respect of your team. A leader who leads by doing inspires more than one who leads by directing.
Want to elevate your leadership skills further? Enrolling in an Online MBA Program or Online DBA Program from King’s Business School can provide you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to lead effectively in today’s fast-changing world.
Great leaders never stop learning. The question is – are you ready to become one?
