What makes someone a skillful leader? And who is qualified to be a leader?
The response to the second question is easy, but the first one requires a bit more of reflection. In my opinion, the list is never-ending, and a great leader never ceases to develop him or her.
Some important skills for any leader:
HUMANITY
Any leader needs to remember that we are all equal on this planet, despite of our backgrounds.
HUMILITY
Leadership is not about position – it´s about character.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Keep your promises and don´t let people down.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
This is perhaps one of the most difficult of all including not only language and speaking skills, but also other means of communications such as writing, reading, and listening skills + gestures and expressions.
DECISIVENESS
Sometimes decision-making takes time, but please don´t let it take forever! Sometimes a bad decision is better than no decision at all.
TEAM-BUILDING SKILLS
Team-building is necessary because no one of us can survive alone, nor do all the work by ourselves.
TEAM WORKING SKILLS
The team is only as strong as its weakest link so make sure to empower all your team members.
Team work is key to success.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
This is probably one of the most important. Take time to develop your emotional intelligence – it is possible.
CAPABILITY OF WORKING ALONE
Ok, team work is important, but you also need to be capable of working in solitude.
EMPATHY
You don´t have to carry all the problems of the world, some empathy won´t harm you either.
SENSE OF HUMOR
Life is not always easy so a good proportion of humor and an ability to laugh at yourself and your mistakes is important when coping in different kinds of circumstances.
ABILITY TO PRIORITIZE
Work first, then the fun.
FLEXIBILITY
Many unexpected things may happen so be prepared for obstacles.
OPENNESS
If you are not open-minded, how can you see all the possibilities in front of you?
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
The more complex the business, the more important to know how to analyze.
RELIABILITY
Stick to your deadlines!
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Learn to lead yourself before leading others.
GOOD MANNERS
A “thank you” does not cost you anything.
SENSE OF MORAL/ETHICS
Great leaders do the right things.
OPTIMISM
Essential if you want to thrive.
REALISM
Understanding the hard facts.
CULTURAL AWARENESS
If you´re into international/global business, it is important to know the etiquette and the customs of the country in question.
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Essential in order to reach your goals.
CREATIVITY
Sometimes, creativity is the only way forward. If opportunity does not knock, build a door!
ACTIVITY
Great leaders don´t wait for things to happen. They make things happen!
RESILIENCE
Things may sometimes be difficult and life provides many kinds of obstacles on our paths, but great leaders never give up.
EMBRACING FAILURE
We all make mistakes and fail sometimes, but great leaders pick themselves and their teams up and dust themselves off.
PASSION
A great leader has a passion for everything he or she does.
HUNGER FOR SUCCESS
Together with passion, a great leader is hungry for success and wants to achieve what´s important to him/her.
In times of adversity, listening to a good song can be helpful in cheering yourself up:
Lyrics for “Pick Yourself Up” (Original: Nat King Cole)
“Pick yourself up,
Take a deep breath,
Dust yourself off.
And start all over again
Nothing’s impossible, I have found
For when my chin is on the ground
I pick myself up, dust myself off
And start all over again
Don’t lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up, dust yourself off
And start all over again
Work like a soul inspired
Until the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired
But you’ll be a man, my son
Will you remember the famous men
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
And start it all over again
Work like a soul inspired
Till the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired
But you’ll be a man, my son
Will you remember the famous men
Who had to fall to rise again?
So take a deep breath,
Pick yourself up,
Dust yourself off,
And start all over again”
Anne-Maria Yritys 