A very controversial question keeps circulating in the business world on whether or not a leader is born or made. What do you think of it? This idea has stemmed from some people’s firm belief that a leader can easily be spotted from a young age. However, recent examples of leaders who learnt from experience, mentors, and running their businesses all lead us to think that perhaps a leader can be made. Here are 6 tips that shall boost your leadership skills.
Having the ability to recognise and manage one’s emotions and those of others is a key leadership skill that every business owner should aim to have. Business owners should aim to enhance their self-awareness to be able to quickly pinpoint their strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, emotions. Additionally, possessing a strong sense of self-management is key when running a business. This will help business owners to control their emotions in times of stress or uncertainty.
What about the emotions of others? That’s called social awareness, and it’s a pillar of emotional intelligence which helps business owners understand the different emotions of the people around them. Last but certainly not least is relationship management. And it does wonders for your business. It includes the business owner’s ability to network and nurture client relationships, as well as build a healthy work environment for your employees.
A strong leader can communicate with their team effectively and clearly identify goals, build strategy and ensure that the team's ideas & concerns are always heard. Most importantly, through the leader’s communication, they must be able to motivate their team to meet the targeted goals.
Here are some key skills to improve your communication as a leader. Firstly, adaptability in your communication style to suit different audiences is essential for every leader. Secondly, active listening, the ability to remain engaged and attentive during a conversation, is of course, a skill that is highly appreciated. Thirdly, what better way to build trust and simplify communication than transparency and clarity? Finally, empathy, in combination with mastering the body language of the person in front of you, makes you someone approachable and sincere.
A leader is someone who has the ability to bring people together and motivate them to reach a common goal. A leader is someone who listens and inspires others. However, a manager is simply someone who orders their team around, is never clear with the direction of the business, and creates an ambiguous environment for the team to operate in. Not very ideal.
Did you make up your mind on whether leadership is taught or learnt?
