Leadership skills can play a large role in career development because your technical skills can often take you only so far. According to Nelson Mandela, “There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”.
What makes a good leader?
Taking initiative. “There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction” (Nelson Mandela). Develop your skills by taking on extra projects apart from your job description.
Critical thinking. “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb” (Nelson Mandela). Good leaders foresee potential problems and develop ways to prevent them from happening. They’re also aware of potential opportunities and take advantage of them to benefit the company and employees.
Communicating effectively. “Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs” (Nelson Mandela). Remember, communication is not only verbal; be aware of body language and gestures to determine what people are really saying.
Motivating others. “Live in a way that respects and enhances … others” (Nelson Mandela). Know what people need and want, and then inspire them to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.
Being disciplined. “I learned that until I changed myself, I could not change others” (Nelson Mandela). To be a good leader, you need to be self-disciplined and make sure that the members of your team are disciplined.
Constant learning. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). In a rapidly changing environment, it’s important to constantly learn and challenge yourself.
Delegating. “Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front” (Nelson Mandela). Pick good people to do what you want done, and have the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it. However, it’s important that you oversee the project for which you’re responsible.
Handling conflicts. “Great peacemakers are people of integrity, of honesty, but humility” (Nelson Mandela). Know how to handle difficult people and how to resolve conflicts.
Being a follower. “Where you stand depends on where you sit” (Nelson Mandela). Learn what you don’t know by sitting at the feet of a person who specialises in that area of expertise.
Bottom line
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership” (Nelson Mandela).
Sources
Stengel, R. 1994. The making of a leader.
www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au
www.goodreads.com
www.investopedia.com