When it comes to having good leadership skills at work, you don't have to be in a managerial position. No matter what your roles is, it's always important to act as a conscientious colleague and employee, be adaptable in your skills and have a positive attitude for what you do.
These are skills that are important to any job and especially important if you want to develop into a better leader. Here are our top tips on how you can improve or develop your leadership skills at work, no matter what role or stage in you are at in your career:
1. Use your strengths
You should always be self aware and know what you are innately good at or skilled in when it comes to work. Think of this as your own USP and use it to your advantage, wherever possible.
2. Set goals and have a clear vision
As a leader or someone hoping to grow into a leadership role, it is important to set goals and targets for yourself and your team. This is a very good habit to get into as it gives everyone a clear vision of what they are working towards for the week, month or quarter ahead and it means at any time you can look back and see what has been achieved.
3. Work on your communication skills
Setting goals, intentions and visions is well and good but you need to be able to effectively communicate this with your team, colleagues or managers. And remember that communication is two-way so you should be as good a listener.
4. Be someone people can look up to
When you're at work, always remember there is someone who is just starting out so if you are in a position above them, you should think about the qualities you'd like your team to have and work to model those. As a leader, you can't just talk the talk, you need to be able to walk the walk as well.
5. Become a critical thinker
Being able to recognise and quash potential hurdles or problems before they even arise is something every leader needs to be capable of.
6. Be passionate about what you do
If you want to lead a team, you need to be passionate about the work you are doing too. As a leader, you can't come across as fed up or apathetic towards your job because then why would anyone want to look up to you or get excited about working for you? If you don't respect the job you're in and feel passionate about it, nobody else will either.
7. Always strive to be better
No matter what stage you are at in your career, you should always be looking to learn more and improve yourself. It is never too late to learn a new skill or take up a course and as a leader, you should always encourage and help your team to do the same.
Are you interested in improving your skills or a new career? Visit Chartered Accountants Ireland website to find out more about how you can attend one of their open evenings in Dublin, Cork or Belfast.
