The real jewel in an organization is a leader whose skills are up to the expectations of both superiors and co-workers.
It is not only about the ability to make difficult decisions, forward thinking, but also the ability to ensure the smooth functioning of communication in the group. What skills are most often mentioned as desirable in a team leader? Here are the most important ones.
Why are leadership skills so important? The power of a leader
It is clear today that someone who takes on all the important tasks, who rules authoritarianly, who is unable to make the most of his or her employees’ characteristics, and who gives them incompatible roles, is not a good leader. However, it is still said that a leader should be strong – what does that actually mean?
The strength of a leader
The strength of leadership today is primarily manifested in the skillful use of interpersonal skills, or the right soft skills. It is through them that a leader influences the work of individual group members. In his actions he should be at the same time:
- a leader who makes difficult decisions,
- a coordinator of others’ work,
- an implementer taking care of regularity of work,
- an innovator who improves the work of the team,
- a constructive critic of others’ actions,
- a team binder when there is friction between its members or something goes wrong.
Learn the best ways to maintain focus at work.
What should a leader be like to his or her co-workers?
Having discussed the very general qualities that a good team leader should have, it is worth listing a catalog of qualities for which co-workers may value him or her. Of particular importance seem to be:
- respect for people – a dismissive attitude towards co-workers, but also clients and other people in general, is certainly not a good calling card for a team leader. Hence, treating other people with dignity opens the list of qualities of a leader;
- ability to delegate tasks – a good leader is not expected to take care of everything by himself; such a person will not only be able to functionally divide duties, but also to delegate them according to the predispositions of other team members
- ability to relate – it is also necessary for a leader to know the group well and this is where strong communication skills come in handy; they will also come in handy when some element of cooperation fails and a difficult conversation needs to take place;
- ease of communication – the leader should be able to easily communicate his or her vision of the work to his or her co-workers;
- trustworthiness and honesty – these qualities give team members confidence in the leader’s support;
- appreciation – sometimes even a word of praise can make a big difference;
- having confidence in your colleagues – this leadership trait also strengthens the team and allows individual team members to grow.
What else makes a good leader?
Undoubtedly, it must be added here that very important are:
- charisma – a group leader must not be bland and bland. People do not particularly appreciate such people in leadership positions. Instead of doing his/her job as if “for punishment”, he/she should sparkle with energy, being strongly attached to what he/she does;
- self-confidence – useful always when organizing the work of others, but should not be blind – we always listen to others;
- willingness to constantly develop – a leader is someone who is constantly willing to learn and thus shows the way to others.
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