Have you ever tried to complete a task that doesn’t turn out quite how you planned? Did you realize that maybe you just didn’t have the proper skills or use the correct tool for the job?
This situation can happen in business as well. A leader in management may have great intentions but may not possess the skills and tools they need to anticipate and manage challenges or realize successful outcomes.
Having the proper leadership tools in your toolbox allows you to accomplish your goals. We’ve compiled a list of 11 leadership tools and strategic skills every leader should have to effectively handle any situation that may arise.
What Tools and Skills Does a Team Leader Need?
Being a leader is challenging; getting the most out of your team takes time, effort, and charisma. To inspire your team to do their best work, you must master a specific skill set. Below are the top 11 tools and skills to produce the most success from any team.
1) Strategic Thinking
Chess players know that, in order to win, they must outsmart their opponent by thinking several moves ahead. A chess player has to see where they want to move and anticipate where they’re opponent is going to move well in advance of taking action. This ability to think strategically is a skill that business leaders need to have as well.
By thinking strategically, you can effectively plan ahead and identify how you will respond to a variety of situations including movements in your team, rising concerns, opportunities for advancement, or new competitors entering the market. While every leader is different, there are some must-have skills for strategic leaders.
2) Decision Making Skills
We make decisions every day. Situations that require a decision, both big and small, can seem to creep up on us. They can come at us, fast and furious. Sometimes, the decision is small and has no major impact on our daily lives. Other decisions are major and will not only impact our lives but the lives of our employees as well. Experts suggest that utilizing some simple apps could help improve your decision making skills. Apps like Lumosity or Fit Brains Trainer are like a gym for your brain. These exercises allow you to work your mental muscles and keep your mind sharp. You may also consider adding other physical activities like dancing and getting a good night’s sleep to improve this important skill.
3) Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, working or personal. Resolving conflict is a learned skill and one that can be taught, developed, and refined. A study by Purdue University found that students who have hands-on learning experiences gain a deeper understanding of the concepts that are being taught. Attending a conflict resolution workshop can provide you with experience in a controlled environment so that you can better handle difficult and uncomfortable situations, and work towards a positive resolution.
4) Team Building Activities
Seventy-five percent of employees rate teamwork and collaboration as very important. Yet, 86 percent of employees and executives blamed a lack of collaboration or ineffective communication as the reason for workplace failings. A good leader recognizes that they are only as good as the people that surround them. Instituting teambuilding activities allows teams time to bond together as well as provides an opportunity for them to decompress from their jobs for a few minutes.
5) Delegation Skills
One of the key tools a leader can use to increase efficiency and develop others is delegation. Delegating your responsibilities doesn’t just benefit you by allowing you to complete other, critical tasks, it also allows your team to grow. When you delegate responsibly, you have more time to focus elsewhere and your team has the opportunity to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. It also allows you to see how different team members respond when faced with a new task.
6) Mentorship Programs
Have you ever been faced with a new project and you went to Google or YouTube to learn how to do it? Don’t you wish you had that direct of a resource for solving business problems? Many organizations recognize this need and have implemented mentorship programs to support new or rising employees. A mentorship program can help identify and groom high-potentials for management positions. It also provides employees with a sounding board for problem-solving, instantly gives them a friendly face around the office, and has been shown to increase job performance.
7) Innovation
“If you’re not evolving, you’re dying”—Marcus Lemonis
That statement holds today more than ever before. Innovation is one of the top professional development tools in the management arsenal. The ability to lead innovation and create change allows a company to thrive. Apple is known for its innovation and has changed the world with its consistent drive toward new, improved, and unique products.
People often believe innovation happens by sitting around waiting for inspiration to hit and then taking action. In reality, innovation skills involve brainstorming, collaboration, and trial and error. Much like conflict resolution, you can refine and learn innovation skills. Skill development is a conscious decision requiring discipline and dedication to master.
8) 360-Degree Assessment
A 360-degree assessment gathers feedback and data from multiple key stakeholders (e.g., managers, peers, team members, clients) regarding one’s performance.
- Elevate self-awareness: The assessment aims to help leaders better understand their blind spots and become more self-aware of how their behaviors and actions impact those around them.
- Create an impactful development plan: The assessment’s data also encourages leaders to craft a plan for improving their performance, approach, and behaviors.
9) Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the secret to business success. This skill set identifies, understands, and influences emotions in yourself and others.
At the end of the day, leaders are human beings who interact with other humans in the workplace. Emotional intelligence teaches leaders how to manage better and leverage emotional responses to drive productivity.
Develop emotional intelligence by examining and improving upon these five components:
- Self-awareness
- Internal motivation
- Empathy
- Social skills
- Self-regulation
10) Change Management Skills
Change is inevitable in any organization and industry. Change-management skills let you help team members confidently tackle and adapt to these shifts.
These skills may include being able to drive:
- Alignment meetings to discuss concerns and roadblocks amid organizational shifts. A successful leader helps teams establish priorities and select relevant initiatives.
- A learning culture to fuel a workforce open to developing new competencies and skills.
- The correct leadership style to help team members confidently focus on objectives amid changing priorities.
11) Curiosity
Good leaders are curious individuals who consistently ask what, why, and how? These simple questions open the floodgates to new perspectives and ideas.
Curiosity is a powerful yet often overlooked skill that drives motivation and innovation. When individuals take time to step out of their comfort zone, they’ll be more willing to find new ways of doing things or strategies that can ultimately elevate the organization’s competitive advantage.
Improve Your Team’s Performance with These Vital Skills
The 11 skills and tools above are what make an authentic leader. Authenticity lays the groundwork for a psychologically safe and productive work environment. It also creates space for leaders to carry the team’s ideas to full fruition successfully.
For more guidance on developing current and prospective leaders, learn about CMOE’s team-building seminars and workshops. Click Here to Get the Tools to Perfect Your Team Today
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