Developing leadership skills is an ongoing process in which every person working with that leader benefits. There are many leadership styles, and no one method is right for every situation. Yet, some skills are critical to develop, especially if you are working in a company that is expanding and relying on its talent to get them to the next level.

Don’t Overlook These Leadership Skills

For many companies, 2023 will bring with it change. While many companies are poised to grow and better meet customer needs, others will find themselves in need of skilled leaders to help through a recession or economic struggles. This could mean realigning the company’s goals, focusing on new business sectors, and working to achieve big changes.

To do well, companies need professionals with the right leadership skills. So look to these as some of the most important for this year.

#1: Negotiation

One of the most valuable leadership skills is negotiation. In a time of change, companies will need leaders who can understand situations and create a better way forward. That could mean negotiating better deals and sales and negotiating with employees to achieve better outcomes. Blending the company’s needs with the needs of employees is a challenge.

Good negotiation skills require some practice, but also the ability to truly understand human relationships. Leaders will need to work hard to continue building relationships and foster success within their organizations and with clients.

#2: Decisive, Decision Making

Another very powerful leadership skill is the ability to make hard decisions and often make them quickly. Of course, making the right decision using all available information to support that process is always important. Yet, companies need leaders who can make the hard decisions, too. That includes decisions that not everyone agrees with or decisions that could involve some risk.

People make mistakes, and that’s okay. What is not okay is when a leader cannot make a decision and stand behind it. It takes talent to be a strong decision-maker, especially one that is using data and feedback to make that decision rather than arrogance or a “gut feeling.” With so much data and insight available today, decisiveness is a must for leaders.

#3: Positive Attitude

Effective leadership through challenging times may be one of the most important values you have as a leader in the coming year. It starts with a positive attitude. A leader that’s positive encourages confidence, eases employee worries, and fosters a sense of strength as a team. Work to build your leadership skills in this area.

A component of a positive attitude as a leadership skill also includes a focus on these areas:

• Being able to handle conflicts in a meaningful manner provides the best outcome possible for all involved.
• Building rapport from a meaningful place with employees and other leaders.
• Developing social skills that can be seen as genuine care about the other person and their needs.
• Showcasing empathy and bringing the human into the employer role.
• Showing respect to every employee no matter the situation.

What can you do to foster a positive attitude in yourself? If you need time off or a break to get back to being a positive leader, take it now. Your employees will need you later.

#4: Communication

Leadership skills rely on this one – being a good communicator. Without the ability to communicate your needs, goals, and concerns with your team, you may find them unable to meet your expectations. However, you’ll see loyalty improve when you foster growth in communication, not just in yourself but in your team. You will notice people can get their work done in a more effective manner. They may even be more willing to go the extra step.

There are numerous components to good communication:

• Be an active listener.
• Be sure your nonverbal communication is spot on.
• Ensure you have clear, straightforward answers to questions.
• Build your public speaking skills.
• Ensure your written communication is on point, too.

#5: Dependability

Dependability is a big task, one that can weigh on the shoulders of any company leader. Being dependable means your employer, the company as a whole, and each individual member of your team can depend on you to be there. How can they know that?

Dependability comes down to a few core areas. Get these areas right, and you’ll be able to foster a sense of success within your company:

• Set realistic goals that are achievable in the eyes of your employees (not just in your analysis or data).
• Be on time every time. If you are dependable in timeliness with communication, project management, and other areas, they will be, too.
• Strive to be detail-oriented. This is one of the hardest leadership skills to master when you are juggling too many things to handle in the small amount of time you have.
• Be loyal to a fault for your employees and team. Do what you say you will do. Don’t over-promise.
• Always be the one to take the initiative. That could be to start a conversation or take on a problem.

Recognize the Need for Improving Your Leadership Skills

Every leader can be better at their job. You can trust our team to help you with the development of more effective and valuable leadership skills. It could be critical to your company in the coming year.