Leadership plays a significant role in career development and business productivity. A leader not only supervises but also guides its teams, maximizing work efficiency, and production. Some people are considered born leaders, and others are not. However, anyone can develop more robust leadership qualities by practising specific skills and holding certain values.
Leadership requires one to align their inner values and demonstrate congruency with those values when supporting others. Leadership is much more than just a soft skill, but a mindset with defined patterns. Leadership skills can be potentially learnt by enrolling in a professional coaching school as the coaching process is a leadership process.
Here are the 5 ways to help you enhance your leadership qualities and make you stand out.
Situational Awareness
As the name implies, situational awareness is simply being aware of what is going around you. It is essential to understand that situational awareness – knowing one’s surroundings and identifying potential benefits or concerns, is a mindset and a way of being. This particular mindset combines curiosity and observation. When you possess this mindset, it becomes possible for one to understand the context of the situation and know what the possibilities are.
Well-developed situational awareness gives people insight beyond the facade, giving the leader tools and options that make them much more effective. It enables business leaders to know what has happened, what is happening, and what might happen next – resulting in making them resilient and confident in handling many situations effectively.
Be Mindful & Proactive
The mind is a natural wanderer, with one thought running into the next. Generally, most humans can function on autopilot with well-known tasks, giving little attention to their thoughts and actions. However, those people determined to become the best they can be, often develop practices of mindfulness. This is a deliberate process and an indication of one being proactive. Being conscious of one’s behaviors, emotions, and reactions are the essential keys to leadership.
Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in present moment, non-judgmentally. - Martha Lucas Click To TweetA leader is one who is present in the here and now. Once one becomes mindful, leadership abilities increase dramatically. Mindfulness lessens stress and allows one to focus on the moment, ultimately leading you towards confidence and an ability to see many choices.
Communicate
Throughout history, communication has been a core function of Leadership. Great leaders excel at communicating their message. Through communication skills, leaders convey their message and motivate people for change.
Communication does not only consist of speaking, but it is also listening, understanding others and body language. Whatever business role you are in, if you’re unable to drive effective teamwork and actions through your ideas and visions, it is difficult to become a true leader. Be clear and straightforward in your communication and let your words work for you.
Be goal-oriented
When it comes to achieving goals, some people may struggle to be goal oriented. An effective leader in the workplace is goal-oriented and focuses on completing the objectives within specified deadlines. Regardless of your field and job, it is crucial to master the skill to navigate goal setting, which includes reviewing your process, revising your strategies, and achieving your goals.
Start with planning out your day with a to-do list or task journal and write down your goals. Set your schedule and stick to it. Scheduling is like making an appointment to yourself, and it makes your task specified and achievable. Leaders also know they need great support teams.
It is important to be mindful of your goals. Only opt for the things which are reality-based and do not burden yourself with unachievable tasks.
Be limitless
Becoming limitless involves mental agility, the ability to quickly grasp and incorporate new ideas and concepts with confidence. - Lori Myres Click To TweetBeing limitless requires diligence, patience, consistency, resilience, and passion. Don’t be afraid to try out new things and take risks. Leadership requires you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change. Prefer smart work over hard work, identify the 20% work to get 80% results. This way, you can polish your leadership skills and become a better version of yourself.
All the qualities mentioned above require just two things, consistency, and persistence. Remember to take baby steps and level up gradually. While sometimes we search for some great secret or assume progress will come with great sacrifice or difficulty, the truth is success in leadership is an inside job. Live your life as the leader you want to be, and others will follow you.
No change happens overnight, so be patient and believe in your growth process.
About the Author
Steven Kiges is the co-founder and director of the ICF (International Coach Federation) accredited The Coach Training Academy. Steven is a professional speaker, author, entrepreneur, and Certified Master Life Coach: a distinction held for coaches who have logged over 5000 hours with clients.