People Skills vs Technical Skills - What do You Look for in Your Leaders?
Keenan McBride, CPTM, CVF, IAPO
?? Learning & Development Solutions Provider | Helping Companies Build Difference Making Leadership Development | Helping Employers Create the "Want To" Culture | Creator of "Lennox Lee Teaches Me" Children's Book Series
Here we are with another edition of "The Leader's Image in Action". This issue is addressing a conundrum that a lot of senior leaders find themselves in when looking to make promotions or fill vacant leadership or supervision roles. Technical skills versus people skills. Which carries the most weight?
In many organizations, the path to leadership often runs through technical excellence. Employees who excel in their roles—whether in sales, engineering, or operations—are frequently promoted based on their technical prowess. While competence is undoubtedly important, relying solely on technical ability to fill leadership roles can create significant challenges. The true mark of an effective leader lies not just in their knowledge but in their ability to connect with people, foster relationships, and inspire teams. Promoting leaders based on people skills is not just a progressive idea; it’s really a strategic necessity that lays the foundation for long-term organizational success. So short answer, if asked, which would I lean more heavily on, I answer by saying people skills without a doubt. Let me tell you why.
The Power of People Skills in Leadership
First, let me say that I do believe that technical ability is necessary and is very important. I am not downing it at all. It's just that when weighed against people skills, I feel it comes up lacking. Why? People skills—such as empathy, communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution—are essential for leaders. These skills enable them to build strong relationships with their teams, understand individual and collective needs, and create an environment of trust and respect. When employees feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more engaged and motivated to perform at their best. A leader with strong people skills can navigate the complexities of human dynamics, resolve conflicts constructively, and foster a culture of collaboration. This relational approach not only enhances team productivity but also promotes loyalty, reducing turnover and its associated costs. It helps to increase the "want to" factor in the team!
Leaders with well-developed people skills also contribute to a positive organizational culture. They set the tone for open communication and model behaviors that encourage others to act with integrity and respect (leading by example, what a novel concept). In contrast, leaders who lack these skills may struggle to connect with their teams, leading to misunderstandings, low morale, and disengagement. Employees who feel undervalued or unsupported are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, resulting in higher turnover rates and a loss of institutional knowledge because it all walks out the front door. This cycle can become very costly, both financially and culturally, as constant recruitment and onboarding disrupt workflows and dilute the company’s core values. You won't have time or resources to train and grow your incumbent workers because you're too busy investing those same resources in onboarding and orienting new hires!
The Limitations of Technical Ability Alone
Promoting leaders based solely on technical expertise assumes that excellence in one area translates into another. However, technical skills do not automatically equip someone to manage people effectively. A brilliant engineer or top-performing operator or salesperson may lack the interpersonal skills necessary to lead a team. Without the ability to communicate effectively, provide constructive feedback, and inspire others, technically proficient leaders may struggle to gain their team’s trust and respect. This disconnect can result in micromanagement, unclear expectations, and a lack of team cohesion. Talk about culture killers!
Moreover, leaders who focus primarily on tasks and outcomes, without considering the human element, often foster environments where employees feel like cogs in a machine rather than valued contributors. This approach can stifle creativity, reduce job satisfaction, and ultimately harm productivity. The absence of strong people skills in leadership roles creates a ripple effect, impacting not just individual teams but the entire organization. It undermines the potential for innovation and collaboration, leading to a work culture characterized by stress, burnout, and high turnover. So, what can organizations do?
Building a Future with People-Centered Leaders
Investing in leadership development programs that emphasize people skills is a forward-thinking strategy. These programs can help identify and nurture individuals who possess not only technical competence but also the emotional intelligence and relational abilities needed to lead effectively. These programs can also help you identify leaders who give you that desired mix of both technical and more importantly, people skills. By promoting leaders who excel in people skills, organizations create a more resilient, adaptive, and engaged workforce. These leaders are equipped to build strong, cohesive teams that can navigate challenges and drive sustainable growth.
So, while technical skills may get the job done, people skills build the relationships that keep organizations growing and thriving. Promoting leaders based on their ability to connect, communicate, and inspire ensures a more stable, productive, and positive work environment. It’s a long-term solution that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole, setting the stage for lasting success. Try it! You can thank me later.
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Lennox Lee Teaches Me! - Update
So, volume one of Lennox Lee Teaches Me has been officially published and is available now on Amazon! Volume one covers the lessons:
Volume TWO will be out very soon! Hopefully, by the first of the year! The lessons to be covered in volume two are:
Again, the aim of this ongoing series is to give young boys the skills and confidence to help them grow into respectful men with gentlemanly qualities while developing the confidence and ability to be a leader. These are qualities that are sorely missing in society.
Excellent gifts for boys' homes, youth leaders, and just in general! Click the link below to get yours!
Don't forget to follow Lennox Lee on Instagram by scanning the link below to keep up with all of his goings on! He'll be dropping short videos and tidbits there also! Help me spread the word about Lennox and his mission! I will be doing a TV spot next week for people local to my area to speak about the series as well. Please share with your networks! Thank you!