The 6 Key Leadership Skills for 2023
Leadership skills are important for many different job roles, yet employees often complain about their managers’ leadership skills and abilities (or lack of them). Addressing leadership skills requires effort and personal development and growth, to improve. If sufficient energy is exerted in the right direction then leadership skills can improve – leadership capabilities are not just about nature (being born with them), but they can be nurtured too. Here we explore some ideas for developing leadership skills in 2023. This includes both good habits to build to improve leadership skills and specific ways in which development of people can be carried out to help build better leadership skills (as well as other skills too, potentially).
Starting with leadership habits, there is a strong argument that breaking bad habits and putting in place new ones can be extremely helpful in leadership development. Indeed, evidence from a leadership survey showed that bad habits can lead to low performance acceptance, a lack of customer service and poor management of change, among other issues. Bad habits can be a problem, because though leaders might know that these things are wrong, and indeed, how to address them, they are ineffective at actually working on change in these areas. This is because they may steer clear of actual decision making, enjoy being liked too much, and there can be a tendency to stick within one’s own comfort zone. All of these are unproductive habits that ultimately result in poor leadership.
The Best Leadership Skills
- Capitalize on luck. This is a habit of forward-moving thinking in response to both good- and bad-luck events. Green says bad luck, such as the extended absence of a key employee, affords an opportunity for the leader to empower others by challenging them to learn, grow and contribute in new ways. “Whatever the circumstances, leaders rapidly come to understand the value of generating return on luck,” Green says. “Everyone wins.”
- Be grateful. “When you appreciate and value what you have, you gain a clearer perspective,” Green says. “A daily meeting ritual of appreciation creates space for each executive to share what they appreciate most, and it opens up the room to clearer thinking and increased collaboration.”
- Give – within limits. Research shows there are many advantages to being a giver, but striking a balance is important to remain productive. “Sharing information and resources cultivates an abundance mindset, bringing benefits that both the company and the leader can reap,” Green says. “But there are limits; if you’re giving away too much time and too many resources, you won’t be able to accomplish your own objectives. Give, but know when to say no.”
- When problems arise, focus on process – not people. “When something goes wrong, a common approach is to find fault with the people involved,” Green says. “But bad or poorly communicated processes can make even the most talented, dedicated staff look terrible. Question processes and communication first, before you explore the intentions, character or capabilities of those involved. Research shows that believing in your people pays off.”
- Have high expectations of others. Leaders who set the bar high and then give their teams latitude to execute reap more benefits than those who simply tell their teams what to do,” Green says. “Those whose habits include valuing autonomy and individual responsibility can build something great over time. High expectations and empowerment are key.”
- Maintain intentional focus. “Countless research studies have exposed excessive multi-tasking as ineffective,” Green says. “To make real progress, hold a small number of very important things in your mind and let go of the rest. Ruthless prioritization and focus in execution will set you free.”
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
