Developing Leadership Skills: A Guide to Becoming a Successful Leader
Leadership is the world’s most desired position. Everyone wants to be the next big leader for a better tomorrow. But the problem is that no one understands the true meaning of leadership, what it stands for, and how and what it should be like. In today’s article, we will define leadership, tell you about its importance and how it can change your life, and give you a few pieces of advice on how to develop your leadership skills in the future.
What Is and What Isn’t Leadership?
Both as a research area and as a practical skill, leadership involves guiding, influencing, or influencing others as an individual, group, or organization. Often, the term "leadership" is viewed as contentious. There is a huge problem with the purpose of leadership, which is that it’s not understood by many leaders. Putting your leadership purpose into words is a statement about who you are as a person and how you apply those unique qualities to your leadership.
A leader's purpose is primarily a function of their values and what matters to them most in life. As a result, it's your “why” statement, and it’s the cause, purpose, or beliefs that drive you forward every day and motivate you to do your best. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that you have to be arrogant, rude, or narcissistic. Most people think that being a leader or a visionary is all about belittling everyone around them because they are superior in the world inside their heads. This is not leadership. This is just being a troublemaker. There is a very thin line between the two, so try to keep it as healthy as possible because only then will you succeed as a leader. Always remember, a leader is loved, admired, and respected by their team, not loathed and despised.
The Three Types of Leaders; Which One Are You?
Primarily, there are three different types of leaders out there. Let’s talk briefly about each one of them and see which type of leader you are.
1. The Autocratic Leader:
Authority is a strength understood by an autocratic leader. Leaders who are autocratic do not want their decision-making process to be open to everyone. It is instead their choice to bear the responsibility of leadership all on their own, and they demand obedience from the people under their authority.
2. The Democratic Leader:
Team members under the leadership of a democratic leader are encouraged to freely exchange ideas. There is a value placed on the voices of all members, and the leader serves as a spokesperson or facilitator. Leaders who are democratic rely on the participation of everyone in the group. Members are emphasized for their expertise and value. Leadership freedoms and responsibilities are shared by every team member.
3. The Laissez-Faire Leader:
A laissez-faire leader is a hands-off leader. Tasks are assigned and general directions are given, but they're usually not involved in daily activities. Each employee decides what approach is best for fulfilling their responsibilities. There is a great deal of trust placed in each individual by laissez-faire leaders. In addition, they trust them to remain self-motivated, accountable, and on task. These leaders will provide guidance if issues arise, but only upon request. Leaders who adopt a laissez-faire approach allow each member of their team to succeed or fail according to their own abilities.
How to Improve Your Leadership Skills?
Each type of leadership requires a certain list of methods for improvement. We will give you a few pieces of general advice to improve your leadership skills, regardless of the type of leader you want to be.
1. Figure Out All of Your Strengths and Weaknesses:
Doing so is not easy at all, and it’s almost impossible to be that objective about something as sensitive as this with yourself. Therefore, try to brainstorm and make a realistic list of all your strengths and weaknesses, and then ask a close friend, a parent, or a sibling of yours to have a look at it, and give you some insight on it as it’s always good to take others’ points of view into account when figuring out the blind spots that you can’t pinpoint yourself.
2. Figure Out Your Goals:
What’s your mission and vision? Why are you out there? What difference will your presence make? These are all questions that you have to ask yourself at the very beginning of your journey to becoming a leader. Without a clear mission and vision, you won’t be able to provide guidance to your team, make the right decisions, or plan the next steps. Goals make you and your team more focused and oriented.
3. Admit Your Mistakes and Take Responsibility For Them:
We all make mistakes. Your role as a leader is to admit your mistakes and learn from them. This will show your team that you’re down to earth and not acting as their superior. You’re just a human being that makes mistakes and learns from them. You’re trying to improve as much as they do. When you admit you made a mistake and take full responsibility for it, your team will respect you and give you more credibility. Try to make use of your failure and turn the situation around for yourself. It is important to reflect on your mistakes so you can identify areas for improvement and adapt your strategy accordingly. Creating a culture of learning and growth in your organization starts with sharing your learnings with your team.
4. It’s Ok for a Leader to Follow:
In appropriate situations, a true leader does not hesitate to hand control over to another. People who disagree with you, question your thinking, or propose their own ideas shouldn't make you feel threatened. Don't be afraid to give credit where credit is due and keep an open mind. Getting others on your team to step up to the plate for you will not always be easy, but if you learn to value and respect them, they'll be more likely to do so as well.