You want to become a better leader. What are the most important skills to develop?

To be a better leader, focus on: Emotional Intelligence for understanding and managing emotions; clear Communication and active listening; Strategic Thinking for goal setting and planning; Problem-solving abilities; Adaptability to change; effective Delegation; Team Building to foster unity; Integrity for trust and ethical behavior; Continuous Learning for personal growth; and Resilience to overcome setbacks. These skills form the core of effective leadership, emphasizing empathy, strategy, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Be the kind of person that other people want to connect with, align with, and even follow. In other words, exhibit that you show interest in others and strive to find ways to give them value. Demonstrate that you share knowledge and wisdom. Show that you line up priorities strategically. Speak to the big picture and goals, but don't forget important details and metrics. Prove that you are ethical and honest. Let others see that values and a strong work ethic are a fundamental part of your nature. If you are doing and BEING all these things, others will see the Leader in you.

Emotional intelligence is crucial in a leader because it helps them understand and manage their own emotions effectively, navigate interpersonal relationships, inspire and motivate others, and make sound decisions based on empathy and understanding. It fosters better communication, builds trust, and promotes a positive work environment, ultimately leading to higher team performance and organizational success.

One of the essential traits I have understood as a leader, is to not remember that you are the boss! A leader is respected, but a boss is tolerated. Only when the team feels genuinely protected in rough waters, motivated inspite of odds, when they see a clear correlation between convictions, words and actions, when they feel empowered and yet coached in a timely manner, then they admire a leader and proudly enjoy introducing her/him as their boss. Externally, a leader demonstrates self-confidence but in his character he exudes humility. Without any sense of insecurity, a leader brings together the collective strengths of his team to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Knowing when to lead, when to allow other qualified ones to lead is an important trait of a leader. Like each individual is unique, everyone eventually grows as a leader by taking up responsibilities or executing responsibilities. It’s a role that cannot be contained by mere KRA.

Becoming a better leader hinges on cultivating essential skills like effective communication, adaptability, and empathy. Mastering the art of delegation while maintaining accountability fosters team growth and productivity. Prioritize decision-making process, balancing assertiveness with receptiveness to diverse viewpoints. Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, inspiring others to reach their full potential. Authenticity and transparency build trust and credibility, essential for strong leadership. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity to connect with your team on a personal level.

To create a strong network a leader must do the following : 1) Join forums / seminars / networking events where they can meet resourceful individuals 2) Learn Rapport Building to instantly connect 3) Ask Open Ended Questions to have a long detailed conversation with others

Trust and Faith in your team. Build your team in a way that they can function effectively in your absence making your responsibility more towards growing your business rather than running your business.