Another Handful of Tips 47 –                        Leadership Skills

The five best ways to improve your leadership skills

Good leaders inspire their workers to raise their performance to higher levels and help them improve their traits. They can be recognised because their people display superior performance.

Good leaders are always in demand for management roles so make an effort to hone your leadership skills.

1. Improve your communication skills

Learn the art of effective ‘one to one’ communication. Speak the language of the people where you work.

Keep your messages honest, simple and clear.

2. Develop a positive attitude

Be passionate about your job and full of enthusiasm for your ideas. Remember, ‘enthusiasm is contagious’.

Accept responsibilities. Learn to make fast, sound decisions.

3. Become a role model

Set a good example both at work and in the wider community. Lead by example.

4. Learn to delegate

Delegate down to where the actions take place in the organisation.

Give your workers responsibility.

Discuss changes or problems with your workers. Consult them so they feel involved in major decisions.

5. Support your workers

Give them the credit for their successes and support them when they make mistakes. Mistakes are a good way to learn.

Geoffrey Moss

“Good leaders face up to the music even when they dislike the tune.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and by Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Cengage Learning Asia, Amazon.com. and the VitalSource Bookshelf.