Top 5 Areas Where Leaders Need to Sharpen Their Skills

Leadership is a constant journey of growth. While some people may be naturals at inspiring teams, there's always room for improvement. In my years as a leadership consultant and coach, I've honed in on five key areas where leaders can focus on continuous development:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): A study by Hay Group found that EQ is twice as important as IQ for leadership success. Leaders with high EQ can navigate conflict, build trust, and motivate their teams. I've worked with plenty of leaders who are brilliant strategists or really gifted in their technical area of expertise. But if they can't pair those skills with really good "people smarts," they struggle as leaders--and their organizations suffer too. 
2. Strategic Thinking: Leaders who can think strategically can adapt to changing environments and make sound decisions. A Deloitte report highlights that only 14% of executives believe their organization is very good at strategic agility. And yet this skill has probably never been more critical. The world is changing exponentially faster and faster. Leaders who can see what's coming and nimbly adapt their organization's goals, priorities, and objectives will be the ones who ride the wave of change--not get blindsided by it. 
3. Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is paramount. A Gallup poll found that managers account for at least 70% of the variance in team engagement. Leaders who communicate effectively can keep teams aligned and motivated. This is true whether you manage a team of one or a team of 1,000. 
4. Delegation and Empowerment: Micromanagement stifles creativity and growth. A Forbes article states that delegation is a key leadership skill. And yet, lots of leaders find it easier to make excuses about why they aren't delegating. Leaders who empower their teams foster a sense of ownership and boost performance.
5. Growth Mindset: Leaders who embrace a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn. According to Stanford University, a growth mindset is essential for student success, and this can be extrapolated to leadership as well. I see this all the time when I'm consulting with just about every kind of company: By fostering a growth mindset in themselves and their teams, leaders drive continuous improvement.

These are just a starting point. By focusing on these areas, leaders can create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.

Image by Andreas Lischka from Pixabay