Do you ever worry that maybe you’re not cut out to have a leadership mindset? Perhaps you believe that you just don’t possess the traits to be a strong, capable leader? Or that maybe leadership is something better suited to other people?
The good news is that anyone can become a better leader by adopting a leadership mindset.
A leadership mindset means believing that you can learn and develop leadership skills through practice and dedication.
A leadership mindset means believing that you can learn and develop leadership skills through practice and dedication.Click To TweetIn this post, we’re going to look at five traits you can learn and practice in order to improve your leadership skills — even if you feel like leadership just isn’t your thing!
1. Strong Communication Skills
According to research done by the Center for Creative Leadership, communication is one of the top skills leaders need to possess.
According to research done by the Center for Creative Leadership, communication is one of the top skills leaders need to possess.Click To TweetWhile not everyone is a natural-born communicator, this is definitely a skill you can work on. Some ways you can do this include:
- Being present when someone is talking; really listening rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next
- Asking lots of questions and being genuinely interested in the answers
- Focusing on collaborative problem solving when issues arise; rather than simply dictating a solution
- Paying attention to your body language; keeping an “open” posture and maintaining good eye contact
There are lots of other ways to improve your communication skills. However, these tips will give you a good place to start!
2. Strong Decision-Making Skills
Do you ever feel jealous of people who seem to be able to make decisions so easily while you struggle with even the smallest of decisions?
According to research done by Google, the ability to make decisions is one of the most important traits for leaders. This should come as no surprise.
According to research done by Google, the ability to make decisions is one of the most important traits for leaders (not surprisingly!).Click To TweetFortunately, this is definitely something you can work on.
If you've struggled with making good decisions in your business, here is a strategy you can use. Simply follow these steps:
- Gather relevant data to help you make the most informed decision possible
- Get input from those who would be most impacted by the decision
- Evaluate the different options available to you
- Make a decision based on all the information available to you
- If you make a mistake…it’s okay! Learn from it for next time
In the event you still aren't sure about your choice, try making “for now” decisions. A “for now” decision is a choice you make for the short term. It’s something that you sort of live with for the time being. It's meant to be a temporary choice so you remain in action and move forward.
Simply staying in action can be tremendously helpful when it comes to decision-making as you'll quickly see what is and isn't working.
3. Being Able to Motivate Others
Boosting the motivation of your employees or team members can definitely be a challenge.
But according to a study of 300K leaders, the ability to inspire and motivate is a critical leadership skill.
It all starts with having a strong vision for your business and making sure you communicate this vision to your team. Everyone wants to be part of something bigger than themselves. When your team realizes they can actually make a difference — in your business, community, or even in the world — they are much more likely to work hard and stick around for the long haul.
Everyone wants to be part of something bigger than themselves; and when your team realizes they can actually make a difference – in your business, community, or even in the world – they are much more likely to work hard and stick around for the long haul!Click To TweetOne way to accomplish this is to have a company mission statement. A mission statement provides perfect clarity behind the what, who, and why of your company. If you don't have a company mission, it's a good idea to create one. And even better? Craft it WITH your team.
4. Honesty and Integrity
Not surprisingly, successful leaders must display a high level of honesty and integrity.
This means being transparent, and doing what they say they’re going to do.
It means not playing games or beating around the bush, but rather, being forthcoming…even if that means you sometimes have to make uncomfortable decisions.
Your team is looking to you to set the standards in your business. If you’re not being honest and transparent, there’s a good chance they won’t be either!
Your team is looking to you to set the standards in your business – and if you’re not being honest and transparent, there’s a good chance they won’t be either!Click To Tweet5. Ability to Delegate
Finally, strong leaders must be able to effectively delegate to their teams.
Delegation not only helps build important skills in your team members but frees you up to focus on higher-level tasks within your business.
Delegation not only helps build important skills in your team members but frees you up to focus on higher-level tasks within your business.Click To TweetAccording to leadership guru Brian Tracy, there are 6 key steps to effectively delegating tasks:
- Choose the best person for the task
- Agree on what needs to be done
- Explain how to do the task
- Ask the person to explain back to you how to do the task
- Set a deadline
- Let the person complete the task without reporting back to you…so long as everything is on track and on time!
While it can be a challenge to let go of the control, it's a necessary quality of leadership. Being a leader doesn't mean doing it all yourself. Part of leadership is empowering others.
Final Thoughts on Leadership Mindset
I hope this post has shown you the importance of a leadership mindset – that if you’re not a natural-born leader, there are traits you can develop that will up your leadership game.
Adopting a business mindset starts with the simple acknowledgment that you can develop key leadership traits. And I trust the strategies above will give you a great place to start!
Don't allow your limiting beliefs to keep you from achieving the success you want to see in your business and life. You've totally got this. Just start small, by starting with one. And then give yourself a little grace. You've got this.
Which leadership skills do you want to develop? Why are these important to you? Share below!
