Leadership skills: What makes a good leader?

Often, high performers are promoted into leadership roles without receiving adequate training and support to perform their new duties. If this describes you, or you aspire to a leadership role, we provide the following advice on how you can develop a wide set of leadership skills to make a positive difference in your organisation.
What makes a good leader?
Meanwhile, retired astronaut Chris Hadfield (most famous for his rendition of David Bowie’s Space Odyssey recorded on the International Space Station) believes that leadership is “not about glorious crowning acts.
“It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter,” he wrote in his book An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth.
While there are many other opinions, the common thread is that a good leader allows other people to do their job better.
What are leadership skills?
Different leaders might rely on certain skills more heavily than others, depending on their leadership style. Regardless, all leaders require these leadership skills to succeed.
Just remember that your skills must continuously evolve. A DDI Global Leadership Forecast 2021 survey found that the most successful leaders are those who have been able to rapidly learn new skills and change. Developing leadership skills is therefore a continuous process of professional development.
Leadership skills examples
Decision-making
Often, decision-makers also need to balance the interests of the organisation with competing views of different employees.
Communication
Integrity
Problem-solving
Good problem-solvers are equipped to identify the exact nature of problems at work. They carefully consider potential solutions before deciding on the best one. Once they implement a solution, they monitor its effectiveness and refine as required.
Emotional intelligence
Mentoring
Trust building
Why are leadership skills important?
Staff retention
Organisational performance
Positive team culture
If you harbour aspirations to move into a leadership role, the best way to make progress is to start developing your leadership skills now.
How to improve leadership skills
Consider completing leadership training programs, online micro credentials or leadership workshops. For instance, Hays Learning is our free online learning platform covering technical, digital and soft skills. With Hays Learning, you can access a range of free online learning courses, including in leadership.
You can further develop your leadership skills by embracing stretch opportunities, asking for feedback from colleagues, joining a leadership network or taking on opportunities to mentor.
By actively developing yourself as a leader, you can set yourself apart from other employees. You'll gain good leadership traits and key skills that will serve you well throughout your career, whether you are currently in a management position or aspire to one.
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Leadership skills: What makes a good leader?