7 Remarkable Leadership Skills That You Need

So, you’ve created your company… What’s next?

Building your business is your next priority. Trying to grow your business while managing the day-to-day operations tests your resilience to a whole new level as you overcome each hurdle and reach milestone after milestone.

As leaders, the overwhelm of running a business and ensuring that targets are met can be extremely taxing. This is why the vast majority of startups fail within the first 5 years.

Good leadership skills can drive and empower the team primarily in the tough times and are critical ingredients in organizational success.

How can you grow your business? Start with focusing on cultivating these

7 Remarkable Leadership Skills

1. Interpersonal Communication and Influence

As a leader, articulating your opinion in a manner that eliminates confusion or misinterpretation is essential. Also, knowing what to say and how to say it either opens trust and collaboration or dismisses and closes the feedback loop. Therefore, establishing a steady flow of communication is crucial in achieving alignment with the tasks and company goals.

Good leadership skills are founded on great self-awareness, people awareness, and cultural dynamics. To generate desired outcomes, leaders should spend time with their people to understand their personal motivations and goals and determine how they can arrive at a consensus in attaining the organizational objectives.

Effective communication leads to influential thoughts and behavior. A clear articulation of your company’s vision and strategic goals allows your team members to proactively contribute their ideas and deliver on them.

As communication serves as a passageway among your team members, clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders, it is important to be open for new ideas or innovations and even conflicting opinions to flow.

2. Teamwork and Delegation

No matter how sharp or inventive a leader is, a business will struggle to reach new heights without a strong team supporting it. Teamwork is the force that drives business success. It involves overcoming struggles and celebrating wins as one.

Teamwork enhances decision-making by allowing different perspectives to be explored during problem-solving. With good leadership skills, personal barriers to collaboration are dissolved, creating a safe space among employees to freely express their opinions.

A hurdle that some leaders face in forging teamwork is their fear of delegating. Often, they avoid assigning duties to other members of worry that they may underperform or underdeliver. A solution to this is to designate tasks for them based on their skill set while still allowing them to push their comfort zones.

Being a leader requires you to trust your team’s capabilities and allow them to handle the tiny details within it. Lead them in the areas where they lack expertise and let them feel valued by entrusting them with boundary-pushing work.

Leadership Skills

3. Strategic and Innovative thinking

Having strategic goals and identifying steps to meeting them provides more directly to your company. However, strategic thinking goes beyond that as it should never be a one-time, big-time approach. Instead, it is a continuous process of strategizing as you discover more opportunities or encounter more risks in the business arena. Practicing strategic thinking involves scenario-building and prioritization to arrive at the best possible course of action.

Innovative thinking facilitates staying relevant amidst the several product and service options available before us. Good leadership skills foster a culture of innovation by creating, supporting, and molding leaders’ teams to push forward. By being up to date with technology and continuously bringing in new solutions addressing one’s needs, you can gain a competitive advantage.

4. Coaching

Team members need proper guidance and training to excel in their positions. However, managers often set aside spending time and attention to developing their employees through coaching due to more urgent tasks at hand, without realizing that coaching is critical as it provides a venue for employees and leaders to achieve alignment on the goals and expectations concerning the tasks assigned to them.

As team members like to be challenged, leaders must set learning and development goals for growth. Career advancement and job satisfaction play a vital role in keeping your team members engaged at work which is why recognition of their contributions through praise or promotion must not be hampered.

Leadership Skills

5. Emotional Proficiency

Good leadership skills involve practicing emotional intelligence through self-awareness and emotional regulation. Since their beliefs, values, and opinions will be regularly put to the test. As managers are expected to lead by example, having mastery of their feelings and behavior will be beneficial as they communicate with their team.

A crucial factor in emotional proficiency is showing empathy. Sometimes, while trying to be efficient and productive, leaders tend to ignore the feelings of their team members and neglect the value of relationship-building. Just as leaders want to be understood by their team members for setting high-performance goals or accepting urgent customer requests, team members also seek understanding in their life situations.

6. Negotiation and Conflict Management

Remarkable leaders practice good negotiation skills to grow their company. It is achieved by being bold and persuasive in a respectful and inoffensive way. Good negotiating skills include listening well and looking for a common ground to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement.

Conflict management is best achieved by dealing with the concern outright and not through avoidance. Good leaders treat conflict objectively and with confidence, seeking to arrive at a consensus.

7. Ethics and Integrity

Integrity is still one of the most indispensable attributes a good leader should possess. A leader acting with integrity can build a culture of trust, honesty, and transparency in the organization. While having high ethical standards expresses that a leader is unbiased and will play according to the game’s rules.

Leaders who possess ethics and integrity attract honest and trustworthy team members and deal with upright clients.

References:

Beqiri, Gini. (2021, February 16). 10 Business Skills for Success in the Workplace. Virtual Speech. Retrieved from https://virtualspeech.com/blog/business-skills-for-success-in-the-workplace

Cheun, Cheun Yeo. (2021, July 21). Developing leaders and the surprising whole-company benefits. BetterUp. Retrieved from https://www.betterup.com/blog/developing-leaders-what-are-the-benefits-and-how-to-do-it

Doyle, Alison. (2021, March 18). Important Leadership Skills for Workplace Success. The Balance Careers. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-leadership-skills-2063782

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Time to take action.

Our approach to leadership focuses on the core need of the person or the team – understanding the current leadership strengths and weaknesses or looking for future capability needs.

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The Leadership Toolbox

Are you in a growth phase and need to develop your leadership skills?

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Leadership Coaching

Are you overwhelmed with your current leadership commitments?

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Contact Waking Giants.

If you want the advantage of purposeful strategy within your business, get in touch today.

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7 Tips To Improve Self-awareness In Leadership – Waking Giants

Are you genuinely self-aware when it comes to your leadership skills?

Too often, we fall victim to our biases and beliefs about ourselves, leading to poor decision-making and execution. To be an effective leader, one must understand your strengths and weaknesses and how others perceive you.

Only then can you begin making changes that will improve your leadership effectiveness. So how do you go about gaining this self-awareness? Check out the tips below!

1. What is self-awareness in leadership, and why is it important

Self-awareness is the ability to understand one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and how they affect others. It’s an essential quality for leaders because it allows them to be more aware of their impact on others and make better decisions.

Self-awareness leaders are also more likely to be successful because they can manage their emotions and stay focused in challenging situations. Self-awareness is also linked to empathy, another essential quality for leaders. Empathy allows leaders to understand and relate to the experiences of others, which can help them build trust and create strong relationships.

Self-awareness is an important quality for all leaders, but it’s essential for those in positions of power because it can help prevent abuses of power. Self-aware leaders are more likely to be just and effective leaders.

Tips To Improve Self-awareness In Leadership

2. The benefits of self-awareness in leadership

Self-aware leaders can understand their strengths and weaknesses and use this knowledge to lead their teams effectively. They know when to delegate tasks, when to step back and let others take charge, and when to take charge themselves. Self-aware leaders are also better able to manage emotions and stay calm under pressure. As a result, they are more likely to make sound decisions that benefit themselves and their team.

Moreover, self-aware leaders can better relate to and connect with others, which builds trust and respect. Ultimately, self-awareness is a crucial ingredient for successful leadership.

3. How to develop self-awareness in leaders

There are several ways to develop self-awareness. One is to solicit feedback from others. Ask your boss, colleagues, friends, and family for their honest opinions about your strengths and weaknesses. Another way to develop self-awareness is to keep a journal. Regularly reflect on your actions and behavior, and consider how they impacted others.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Trying new things will help you learn more about yourself and your capabilities. Developing self-awareness takes time and effort, but it’s worth it.

4. Tools and techniques for improving self-awareness

Most people would benefit from having greater self-awareness. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Luckily, several tools and techniques can help. One approach is to keep a journal. This can be used to track your thoughts and emotions and to identify patterns and triggers.

Another helpful technique is mindfulness meditation. This involves focusing on the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Several personality tests can provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses. By exploring these techniques, you can better understand yourself and learn how to make positive changes.

5. The challenges of being a self-aware leader

Any leader worth their salt knows that self-awareness is key to success. After all, how can you be an effective leader if you don’t understand your strengths and weaknesses? However, the challenges of being a self-aware leader go far beyond simply understanding yourself. A truly self-aware leader must also be able to be honest with themselves, even when it’s challenging to do so.

They need to be able to take constructive feedback and use it to improve their performance. Lastly, they need to be comfortable admitting when they’re wrong and making changes accordingly. Self-awareness is essential for any leader who wants to be successful, but it’s not always easy to achieve.

6. The benefits of self-awareness in the workplace

Self-awareness is a critical workplace skill that can benefit both individual employees and organizations as a whole. When individuals are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, they can put themselves in positions where they can succeed and contribute to the organization.

Conversely, when people are unaware of their limitations, they may take on roles beyond their abilities, leading to frustration and poor performance. Additionally, self-aware employees can better adjust their behavior to suit the workplace culture and the needs of their colleagues. By being aware of their impact on others, they can avoid creating conflict or causing tension.

Finally, self-aware employees tend to be more resilient in facing workplace challenges and setbacks. Because they understand their own triggers and reactions, they are better equipped to deal with difficult situations constructively. Overall, self-awareness is a powerful tool that can help individuals thrive in the workplace.

Summary:

Developing self-awareness is a lifelong journey, but it’s worth taking. The tips we shared can help you get started, but if you want to explore yourself further, consider seeking a coach or counselor who can help guide and support you.

Thanks for following along on our leadership journey! We hope these insights will empower you to become the best leader possible. What steps will you take now that you have greater self-awareness?

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How To Develop Authentic Leadership? – Waking Giants

What does it mean to be an authentic leader?

These are questions that many people ask, but there is no one clear answer. Some people might say that authenticity is about being yourself, while others might say it’s about living your values. Ultimately, what matters most is how you define authenticity and what you do to become a more authentic leader.

Defining authentic leadership

There are many different leadership styles, and no single style is perfect for every situation. In recent years, authentic leadership has become popular, especially in workplaces that value creativity and collaboration. But what exactly is authentic leadership?

At its core, authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and your values. It’s about leading with integrity and authenticity and inspiring others to do the same. This type of leader is confident and grounded in their beliefs and not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Authentic leaders also have a deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, which helps them be more self-aware and humble.

As a result, they can build trust quickly and are often seen as highly effective leaders.

The benefits of authentic leadership

Develop authentic leadership?

There are many benefits to authentic leadership. First, it helps to build trust and credibility with followers. When people feel that their leaders are transparent and honest, they are more likely to trust them and be motivated to work hard.

Second, authentic leadership can help to create a more positive work environment. When employees feel that their leaders are genuine and care about their well-being, they are likelier to be happy and engaged in their work.

Finally, authentic leadership can lead to better decision-making. When leaders are clear about their values and goals, they can better make decisions that align with those objectives. As a result, authentic leadership can provide several advantages for leaders and followers.

How to become an authentic leader

Many people aspire to be leaders, but not all of them are authentic leaders. Authentic leadership is about being honest with yourself and others, having integrity, and being true to your values. It’s also about being open to feedback and willing to grow and learn. You don’t need to be perfect to be an authentic leader, but you do need to be genuine. Here are some tips for becoming an authentic leader:

1. Be self-aware. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself about where you need to improve.

2. Be transparent. Share your vision and goals with your team or group. Communicate openly and frequently.

3. Be accountable. Take responsibility for your actions and accept feedback gracefully.

4. Be compassionate. Empathize with others and treat them with respect.

5. Be humble. Authentic leaders are confident but humble. They know they are not perfect and are always learning.

If you want to be an authentic leader, start by working on becoming more self-aware and transparent. Take accountability for your actions, show compassion for others, and stay humble.

Develop authentic leadership?

Examples of authentic leaders

Bill George, a Harvard Business School professor, is considered one of the leading experts on authentic leadership. He has written extensively on the topic, and he has identified several leaders who exemplify the qualities of an authentic leader.

For example, Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, was known for his strong vision and ability to build loyalty among his employees. Another example is Howard Schultz, the founder, and CEO of Starbucks. Schultz is known for his commitment to social responsibility and creating a company culture that values customer service and employee satisfaction. Authentic leaders are not afraid to be themselves and can inspire trust and respect in those around them.

The future of authentic leadership

Authentic leadership is a relatively new concept that is gaining traction in the business world. Authentic leaders are those who are their true selves in all interactions, both personal and professional. They are transparent and honest and build trust by acting with integrity. Authentic leaders are also confident and decisive and have a clear vision for their organizations.

Authentic leadership will become even more critical as the world becomes increasingly globalized and interconnected. These leaders can build bridges between cultures and communicate effectively across borders. In an increasingly complex world, businesses need leaders who can navigate these challenges confidently and clearly.

Authentic leadership is the future of successful companies.

Summary:

There’s no single answer to the question of what it means to be an authentic leader.

Some people might say that authenticity is about being yourself, while others might say it’s about living your values. Ultimately, what matters most is how you define authenticity and what you do to become a more authentic leader.

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5 Steps To Define Your Company Values

Company values, those lovely posters you put up in the foyer and adorn the cover of your annual report.

Now that we have outlined the standard approach let’s look at the real value in creating, living and owning company values to make your business more sustainable.

As individuals (most of us) have a values system that we function by consciously and subconsciously. But when it comes to business, they seem to get lost in translation.

They become a project for the HR department, or the cornerstone of an offsite retreat where the senior leaders ask questions on how having values is now part of ‘to do’ list for the millennial workforce.

Why do companies get their values process so wrong?

It’s easy; it comes from the wrong place. They are seen as glossy packaging for a set of rules, but they are actually about your business’s feeling and conscience.

That a bit fluffy for you? Do you want a set of values like integrity, honesty, or customer-focused and then move on?

This strategy fails when you realise that your business is a person. It operates with feeling, emotion and actions based on experience. If your company acts like a dick, the market will respond accordingly. If your customer service team responds to a customer query with a lack of empathy, that customer no longer wants to be your ‘friend.’

With that said, what does a ‘good’ human or business look like? Without any pomp and hype here are my five steps to defining your company values:

1. Know your mission

If you have no idea why you are in business, I would start there. It won’t be because of money, by the way, you can kid yourself, but there will be an underlying purpose. You will be solving a problem, trying to prove yourself to your parents, helping humanity. All businesses exist for a reason beyond money; you need to understand yours.

2. Gather your key stakeholders

That may be your business partners or board. Start with having a frank and open conversation about why you are all in the room, all turning up each day. There will be patterns that come out in the group. Remember, you are not all the same; neither should you be, but there will be some binding principles that bring you together.

Get them down on a whiteboard and challenge them with vigour until you are left with 3-5 that as a group you can buy into them fully.

3. Share with the broader business

Don’t just send an email telling the staff that these are now the values. Share with them your list and why they exist, back it up with a vibrant idea to paint a picture so they can feel the value and see, in their way, how they can adopt and live them.

For example, our key value is ‘Make It Happen’, but see how you need to paint a picture:

Alternative value: Action – Simple, but not all actions are good ones; there is a lot of room for the wrong kind of interpretation.

Value: Make It Happen: Talk is cheap, get shit done. – It starts to talk to the way we work. For example, if someone offers an idea, they need to back it up with ‘action’. This also provides the scope for operationalising your business’s value—transparent communication systems, delegated authority, project management systems etc.

4. Take the feedback seriously

Once you have all parties feedback, dig deeper on their responses. Maybe they agree with the sentiment but are not inspired. Because if they are not inspired, they are not going to feel them and take action. There will be bias, but you need to step outside of the process and be open-minded.

The feedback may present values that are far better than your suggestions; this can be an excellent thing as this aligns the team(s) with something that is already in place in the way they operate. In simple terms, it will be easier to operationalise them with minimal friction, because they are the company values, not the boss’s values.

One caveat here is that in smaller businesses, the values are often very personal to the founders. If you are sharp at recruitment, you will have attracted people who buy into the same principles. The flaw in this is if you see people as pawns in the game you call a business, you won’t have a purposeful alignment and therefore, loyalty to the cause.

5. Once you have an agreement, decide how to roll them out

Move on from the posters and printed mugs. Collectively agree on how you will live your company values every day and weave them into your operational and strategic plan so everyone in the business has a clear understanding of the values and how they can live them.

Some simple examples:

  • Yes, visualise them. Giant murals, installations, make them part of the fabric.
  • Have them as part of the recruitment process and written into the contracts.
  • Use them as part of your decision-making matrix – ‘Will this decision support or go against our values?’
  • Celebrate people living them. We celebrate the sales team on the dollars, why don’t we celebrate when our team is living our values. Document and share the story so others can learn from it.
  • Have KPIs in the delivery of the values – For example, if your value is: Put the customer needs first – You can track this through tools such as Net Promoter Score – If your goal is 90, that’s the figure that lets your team know what good looks like.

The list goes on, but they need to be real and measurable and above all, enjoyable. Our second value is Grow Together, our team days are focused on new experiences, meaning that we share a unique experience, and there are no experts in the ranks. This is where vulnerability and growth happen.

Defining your company values will depend on your shape and size and how easy it is to get the whole company involved. But it is a process that will bring considerable benefits to your people and your business. But if you are going to do it, do it well and do it with purpose.

If it isn’t something you feel you can do alone, get in a coach or facilitator to help. With that process make sure the values end up being yours, you are the ones that need to commit to them, you are the ones that have to live by them after all, not the coach.

Whatever time you invest in your companies values, you will reap the rewards 10x. Happier teams, happier customers and better profits.

Profits are the by-product of great company culture, not at the cost of company culture.

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