The Importance of Effective Leadership Skills
John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Employees look to their leaders for inspiration and guidance to get things done. Leaders should be beacons who illuminate the path to triumph and success. That said, leaders can only perform their duties effectively if they possess good leadership skills.
Good communication is one of the most vital leadership skills that any boss can possess.
Remember, communication is a two-way street! So, while you’re giving directions, make sure that your ears are open and you’re ready to listen as well. Empathetic listening is a skill that’s absolutely crucial for all leaders because it enables them to take in feedback, interpret it accurately, then issue a fitting response.
Where the lines of communication are open, it creates an environment of understanding. Employees are comfortable enough to share their opinions and air their grievances. Responding to employee feedback is essential for continued improvement in the workplace. Better communication usually leads to a more motivated, engaged, and productive workforce as a result.
Communication requires interaction, so hiding behind your desk is not an option. In my experience, I’ve realized that employees appreciate being asked challenging questions and receiving one-on-one attention with the brass. Poor communication between employees and leaders will eventually breed discontent and demoralize people, which will have far reaching negative consequences for the entire organization.
Proper communication gives employees a better understanding of their roles and what’s expected of them while helping to manage expectations. Customize your message to suit who you’re talking to, from employees to investors.
One of the core leadership skills I implement and advocate for is transparency. Being transparent as a leader can be difficult, especially if you don’t want to feel exposed. Openness and honesty mean that you will at times feel vulnerable, but the benefits for the organization far outweigh these feelings.
In the US specifically, the level of mistrust between employers and employees is shockingly high. According to a survey from the APA, 1 out of every 4 employees state that they don’t trust their employer. Trust is directly linked to transparency. Frankly, most organizations tend to operate like secret societies, treating even the most mundane pieces of information like Coca-Cola’s secret formula.
Employees need to be kept in the loop, not only to build trust and loyalty but also to make them feel valued and appreciated. Giving employees access to critical information, such as the working budget, helps them make sense of decisions around increasing targets, layoffs, or cost cutting measures.
Being transparent also humanizes you as a leader, which means that employees will be more receptive to constructive criticism and negative news. And if that’s not enough motivation, you should know employees who are actively engaged in the organization are more likely to increase their productivity, take fewer sick days, and stay in an organization longer. It’s a win-win situation.
When a storm is on the horizon, a calm captain can steer the ship to safety. A leader with the ability to stay composed in the face of difficulty can develop a strategy and act decisively. Controlling your emotions and staying level-headed is one of the most difficult skills to learn, but it can be invaluable during times of instability.
Leaders who are calm inspire loyalty and trust because their employees know where they stand. In uncertain times, people need a leader who has the vision to make a plan as well the composure and will to execute that plan.
Not all leaders are effective. These skills that can be acquired and should be practiced. I believe the best place to start is developing your communication skills, making a point of staying transparent, and practicing calmness.