7 Easy Ways to Develop Your Leadership Skills

“The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them.” -John Maxwell

Leadership is a quality that’s always in demand, whether you’re in the boardroom or at home with family. As a mom of seven incredible kids, an entrepreneur, and a lover of all things outdoors, I’m here to share my insights on how to improve your leadership skills in both your personal and professional life.

If you think leadership is only for those with a C-suite title, think again. Leadership is a quality that can be honed and developed, no matter where you are in life.

The Value of Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are golden. They open doors for you, both professionally and personally. When you’re a strong leader, people naturally want to follow you, collaborate with you, and invest in your vision. It’s an essential quality if you’re looking to move up the career ladder, or if you’re like me—juggling a business and a family at the same time. You can’t underestimate the importance of being able to guide and inspire others.

Leadership Skills That Set You Up For Success

It seems like some people are just born leaders. If that doesn’t describe you, it doesn’t have to mean you’ll never land a leadership position. There are certain leadership skills you can practice and improve upon that will help you become an effective leader, even if they don’t come naturally to you.

Whether you’re steering a high-stakes project at work, running a small business, or even organizing a family trip, these key leadership skills will serve as your foundation. Think of them as the essential soft skills in your leadership toolkit.

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as those of other team members, to enhance interpersonal relationships.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to visualize long-term goals and develop a comprehensive plan to achieve them.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills: Capacity to identify challenges quickly, resolve conflicts, and find effective solutions, often thinking outside the box.
• Effective Listening Skills: Clear and concise conveyance of ideas, expectations, and feedback, both verbally and in writing.
• Active Listening: The skill of fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what others are saying.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Encouraging team members and other leaders by setting a positive example, fostering a positive work environment, and showing genuine appreciation for their efforts.
• Time Management: Efficiently prioritizing tasks and allocating time to achieve both short-term objectives and long-term goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to new conditions and quickly change course when necessary, without losing sight of the end goal.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for both successes and failures, and holding team members accountable for their actions.
• Decision-Making: Evaluating multiple options in a timely manner and choosing the best course of action based on available information.
• Delegation: Assigning tasks to team members based on their strengths and skill sets, thereby boosting productivity and job satisfaction.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes within the team and finding constructive solutions that are beneficial for all parties involved.

How to Improve Leadership Skills

Stepping into a leadership role means you’re ready for more than just the title; you’re gearing up for the responsibility, the challenges, and yes, the rewards that come with it. But how do you take that ambition and translate it into becoming a good leader? Here are some ways to develop leadership skills that will set you up for success.

1. Listen to The Experts

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. When I began my business journey, I made it a point to seek advice from seasoned experts in my field. From reading books to following good leaders online, absorbing knowledge from those who’ve been there and done that is crucial. So, make the effort to learn from the pros.

Here are 7 popular books and podcasts for developing leadership skills:

1. “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown: A deep dive into the emotional and social skills that are often undervalued in leadership.
2. The Maxwell Leadership Podcast by John Maxwell: Actionable, practical advice for developing core leadership skills.
3. “BreakProof” by yours truly, releasing in January: Strategies to build resilience and achieve your life goals.
4. “Act Like a Leader Think Like a Leader” by Herminia Ibarra: Tips to level up in a leadership role that dives into a wide range of strong leadership skills.
5. Seek Your Summit Podcast: Personal stories from my own leadership journey and interviews with other successful leaders.
6. Power + Presence + Position Podcast: Learn to think and communicate like an effective leader.
7. “How Remarkable Women Lead: The Breakthrough Model for Work and Life” by Joanna Barsh, Susie Cranston, and Geoffrey Lewis: Offers firsthand experience on how to develop leadership qualities that will land you in powerful leadership roles.

2. Work On Your Communication Skills

Communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Whether you’re outlining a new business strategy or coordinating team responsibilities, being clear and concise is key. Work on honing your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. A good leader knows how to convey a message in a way that’s easy for others to understand.

Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s equally about listening—active listening, to be specific. This skill involves fully focusing, understanding, comprehending, and responding to what others are saying. It’s more than just hearing the words; it’s about capturing the nuances and emotions behind them.

3. Build Trust and Credibility With Your Team

People will follow you if they trust you. Earning the trust of your team or your family isn’t something that happens overnight. Be transparent, be honest, and most importantly, keep your promises. This is something I learned while running my company and being a mom—it’s a non-negotiable if you want people to put their faith in you.

4. Perfect Your Time Management and Organizational Skills

Being organized is a skill that’s valuable everywhere, from the workplace to home life. If I can manage seven kids and a business, trust me, you can too. The trick is to be efficient with your time. Prioritize your tasks, create schedules, and stick to them.

While there are endless techniques and approaches to time management and organization I could share with you, the key to success really lies in finding a system that works for you, both in your work and your personal life. If writing things down works for you, get a physical planner to write down appointments and track progress towards goals. If you find yourself more productive using a time-blocking technique, create your schedule accordingly.

There are dozens of ways to organize your time and your life, but if they system doesn’t resonate with you it isn’t going to impact your leadership journey.

5. Continue Learning Through Career Development

Continual growth is essential in any leadership role, and that’s where professional development comes into play. Invest in your future by engaging in learning opportunities that go beyond your day-to-day responsibilities. Whether it’s attending industry-specific seminars, enrolling in online courses, or even just diving into a compelling research paper, make it a point to expand your knowledge base and improve your hard skills.

For me, it’s a two-way street. I enjoy activities that help me become a better leader just as much as I enjoy perfecting my outdoor adventure skills. By constantly evolving, you’re not just staying relevant; you’re also becoming a resource for your team, someone who brings new ideas and approaches to the table.

6. Be a Decision Maker

Leaders can’t afford to be wishy-washy. When it comes to learning how to improve leadership skills, you’ve got to make decisions and stick to them. Being decisive doesn’t mean you have to go it alone; it’s okay to consult others for input. But at the end of the day, the final call should be yours. This has been a guiding principle in my life, and it’s served me well in both my business and personal adventures.

7. Learn to Delegate

Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a hallmark of a strong leader. Recognizing the strengths of your team and allocating tasks accordingly can be transformative. This approach not only allows team members to develop new skills but also enables you to focus on strategic priorities that require your unique expertise.

Develop Leadership Skills Will Take You to New Heights

Improving your leadership abilities is an ongoing journey, but it’s worth every step. From being a great communicator to making tough decisions, learning how to improve leadership sklls is a crucial component of success in any arena.

If you’re looking for some real-world insights and tips from people who’ve been there, done that, my podcast is a great resource. I feature interviews with seasoned leaders across various industries, offering listeners the chance to learn directly from the best in the business. So, as you work on shaping your own leadership style, consider expanding your learning resources; there’s a wealth of knowledge out there that can help you ascend to new heights. Leadership isn’t just a title; it’s a mindset.