Which Skills Are Most Overlooked In Leadership Development?
The definition of being a successful leader has evolved in various ways in recent years. Before, the main focus was on strategic thinking, decisiveness, communication, and effective task delegation. While these skills are certainly necessary for someone who runs a team or organization, there are many more that don’t get the attention they deserve and are often excluded from leadership training programs. In this article, we explore the most overlooked skills in leadership development that leaders should work on cultivating to be successful in their roles.
What Are The Unsung Features Of A Good Leader?
1. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, refers to a person’s ability to manage and express their emotions as well as understand those of others. The importance of this skill cannot be overplayed, as leaders are often faced with unexpected or difficult situations. How they respond to these can significantly impact their workforce’s morale and the organization’s overall success. An emotionally intelligent leader can communicate more effectively with their employees, understanding nonverbal cues to provide adequate support and direction. In recent years, EQ has been incorporated into more leadership development programs, empowering leaders to develop this essential skill.
2. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is technically considered part of emotional intelligence because it involves understanding yourself. However, it is so significant that it deserves a separate mention. Self-awareness goes beyond simply recognizing your emotions and managing them as needed. It entails a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, core values, and emotional triggers. This enables leaders to capitalize on their strong points and strive for improvement where it is due. Self-aware leaders can set a positive and genuine example for others, creating a work environment people want to be a part of.
3. Desire To Learn And Improve
A true sign of a good leader is recognizing the significance of continuously striving for self-improvement and professional growth. By attending training programs, seminars, and workshops, leaders can enhance their knowledge base and improve their leadership skills. As a result, they will be able to secure better positions or, if that is not possible, become as efficient as possible in their current role. At the same time, leaders who openly display their love for learning and development act as an inspiration to their teams, motivating them to access the best version of themselves and ultimately driving organizational success.
4. Authenticity
An often overlooked skill in leadership development is authenticity. As leadership training programs become more popular, many aspiring leaders tend to set aside their unique qualities to conform to typical leadership styles and personalities. Yet, being yourself and leading with honesty and integrity are just as important as acquiring skills from leadership development programs or role models. When a leader brings their true self into the workplace, they foster more genuine connections not only with their staff but also with external partners and clients, thus promoting the creation of an environment of trust and effective collaboration.
5. Vision
A leader who aspires to take the team and the organization far must have a vision. This involves understanding their values and ultimate purpose, aligning them with the capabilities and aspirations of their team, and, finally, setting the goals that will help them reach success. But equally important to having a vision is being able to communicate it to others. A good leader must be able to set clear expectations that their team can follow and also clearly express the reasoning behind each goal. This way, they can keep their teams motivated and on a path of constant improvement and efficiency.
6. Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a model that prioritizes people. It encourages leaders to focus on employee well-being and development to create a positive and supportive workplace. Unfortunately, the skills of a servant leader are often overlooked in leadership development, as they clash with traditional models that focus on authority and control of leaders over employees. However, the modern workplace calls for collaboration, and for organizations to reach maximum efficiency, they need to create space for their employees to express their opinions, develop their talents, and collaborate effectively. Servant leadership also contributes to a more loyal staff that sticks around for the long haul and is personally invested in their company’s success.
7. Self-Care
This is definitely the most overlooked skill in leadership training, yet one of the most important. Being a leader in and of itself means juggling a ton of responsibilities. From employees to clients and strategic planning, leaders often don’t have any time to think about themselves. This can lead to chronic stress and even burnout, which affects the team and success of the organization. Leaders must learn to acknowledge their mental state and manage their stress when it becomes too much. They can do that by exercising, meditating, or taking some time off. Practicing self-care helps leaders be more effective in their roles and model positive behaviors for their employees so that they, too, know that it is okay to put their well-being first.
Conclusion
Being a leader, especially a successful one, is a multifaceted process that requires gaining and mastering a wide variety of skills. Although everyone knows about problem solving, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, there are many more overlooked skills in leadership development that aspiring leaders need to focus on. From developing your emotional intelligence to being true to your authentic self, many lesser-known leadership traits can enhance employee satisfaction and create a supportive and efficient work environment. Invest in those to ensure fulfilled team members and long-term organizational success.
