Finding yourself in a management position doesn’t necessarily that you will have skills necessary to lead a team. You may just see yourself as only being good at running the day-to-day operations, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to develop them over time. To be a great leader there are certain skills one should possess. Let’s take a look at the top attributes that make an excellent leader.

 

Self-awareness

To begin with, one needs to have a good understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, including those of others around you. Knowing this you are better able to delegate tasks appropriately. You can play up strengths while offering support in the areas that are weaker.

Communication

Communication is key to any relationship, and this is an essential attribute in any leader. It’s important that you are able to express yourself clearly. Honesty and openness provide a space where co-workers will feel safe and comfortable opening up to you. Active listening is a form of communication that will lead to great results and will earn the respect of your co-workers.

Motivation

 A successful leader knows how to motivate and encourage others to be their best self. But you must lead by example. Model the type of behavior you desire others to follow. When you are willing to lend a hand and help out where needed, you show others you are part of the team which will result in them following your lead.

Continuous Learning

It isn’t possible for you to know everything. Times change, people evolve. And although you may be quite knowledgeable, there is always room for improvement.

Flexibility

The ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs and unforeseen circumstances of a business is another characteristic that a successful leader must have. You show be able to anticipate and evaluate situations then problem-solve accordingly.

 

As you can see, all of these characteristics can be attainable. And by knowing just how important a leadership role is to the success of a company, it’s worth the added effort.

 

 

Article by
Ava Collins
Content Writer and Researcher

Student award winner Ava Collins