Developing Core Leadership Skills: Communication, Decision-Making, and Self-Awareness
Leadership is an important skill for anyone who wants to succeed in the workplace. While there are many different leadership styles, all effective leaders share a set of core competencies. But what exactly are these competencies, and which core leadership skills matter most?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the core leadership skills you need and share practical tips on how to develop them. We’ll also talk about why these skills are so important for leaders at every level, whether you’re just starting out or managing a large team.
What are core leadership competencies?
Core leadership competencies are the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities that effective leaders possess. They are the foundation of leadership and are essential for success in any role, regardless of industry, level, or function.
Core leadership competencies usually fall under three categories, including:
Interpersonal core competencies
These competencies involve interacting effectively with others, building relationships, and creating a positive and productive work environment.
Examples of interpersonal core competencies include:
Communication
Teamwork
Collaboration
Conflict management
Relationship building
Emotional intelligence
Leaders with these core competencies are more likely to be successful in “leading others.”
Logistical core competencies
These competencies involve planning, organizing, and executing tasks and projects effectively. Examples of logistical core competencies include:
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Time management
Delegation
Project management
Leaders with these core competencies are more likely to be successful in “leading their organization.”
Internal core competencies
These competencies involve managing oneself effectively and being a self-aware and authentic leader. Examples of internal core competencies include:
Self-awareness
Self-management
Adaptability
Integrity
Motivation
Vision
Leaders with these core competencies are more likely to be successful in “leading the self.”
How to Develop Core Leadership Competencies
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
This famous quotation has sparked debate since then. Some people believe that leaders are born with innate qualities, while others believe that leadership is a skill that can be learned and developed.
The truth is probably somewhere in between. There's no doubt that some people have a natural talent for leadership. They're charismatic and inspiring and have a knack for getting people to follow them. But even the most gifted leaders need to develop their skills and knowledge over time.
Great leaders are made, not born. They're forged through experience, determination, and passion. They learn from their mistakes, they adapt to change, and they never stop growing.
When it comes to core leadership competencies, it takes time and effort to develop them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are some things you can start doing right now.
Become self-aware.
One of the first steps to developing your leadership competencies is to become more self-aware. This means understanding your strengths and weaknesses, including your values and motivations. It also means reflecting on your behavior and identifying areas where you can improve.
You can develop your self-awareness in several ways. One way is to keep a journal and write about your thoughts and feelings regularly. You can also try asking for feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, and mentors. There are also several self-assessment tools out there that you can try.
Be a lifelong learner.
The world is constantly changing, and so are the demands of leadership. To be an effective leader, you must be committed to lifelong learning. This means staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field, as well as developing new skills and knowledge.
You can read books and articles, attend conferences and workshops, or take online courses. You can also learn from your experiences and from the people around you.
Become a great communicator.
Communication is very important for effective leadership. You need to communicate your vision and goals clearly and concisely. You also need to be able to listen to and understand the feedback you receive from others.
One way to become a great communicator is to practice active listening. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying—verbally and nonverbally. You should also ask clarifying questions and summarize what you have heard to ensure you understand.
Another way to improve your communication skills is to practice speaking clearly and concisely. This means avoiding jargon and technical language and logically organizing your thoughts.
You should also practice using your voice effectively and paying attention to your body language.
Fun fact: Practicing in front of a mirror is a helpful way to improve your communication skills because it allows you to see and hear yourself as others do. This can help you to identify any areas where you can improve your body language, facial expressions, delivery, and overall presence.
Embrace feedback.
Feedback is essential for growth and development. Open-minded leaders are willing to receive feedback from others, even if it is negative. They use feedback to identify areas where they can improve and develop new skills.
There are several ways to encourage feedback from others. One way is to simply ask for it. You can also create a culture of feedback within your team or organization by encouraging others to give and receive feedback openly.
When you receive feedback, it is important to be open-minded and receptive. Try to avoid becoming defensive or argumentative. Instead, listen carefully to the feedback and consider it objectively.
Set clear goals.
Effective leaders know what they want to achieve, and they have a plan for getting there. They set clear goals for themselves and their teams and communicate them effectively.
When setting goals, it is important to ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You should also make sure that your goals are aligned with the overall goals of your team or organization.
Seek out mentorship and coaching.
If your resources allow, try to seek out mentorship and coaching from experienced leaders. A mentor can provide guidance and support, and a coach can help you identify and develop your strengths.
When looking for a mentor or coach, finding someone you respect and who shares your values is important. You should also seek someone with the experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals.
Lead by example.
People are more likely to follow a leader who they respect and admire. Effective leaders lead by example. They demonstrate the values and behaviors that they expect from their team members.
To lead by example, being authentic and true to yourself is important. You should also be willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.
Be empathetic.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Effective leaders are empathetic, and they care about the well-being of their team members.
To be more empathetic, listening to your team members with an open mind and heart is important. Try to see things from their perspective and understand their challenges. You should also be willing to offer support and encouragement.
Be comfortable delegating tasks.
No one can do everything themselves. Effective leaders are comfortable delegating tasks to their team members. This allows them to focus on the most important tasks and leverage their team members' skills and talents.
When delegating tasks, it is important to be clear about your expectations and to provide your team members with the resources they need to be successful. You should also be available to provide guidance and support as needed.
Developing core leadership competencies is essential for anyone who wants to be an effective leader. By following the tips above, you can start to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful leader.
A Deep Dive Into 3 Essential Core Leadership Skills
Communication
Effective leadership communication is the ability to convey your vision, ideas, and expectations to others clearly, concisely, and inspiringly. As mentioned, being an effective leader means being an active listener and understanding the needs and perspectives of your team members.
Effective leadership communication is essential for success in any organization, regardless of size or industry. It is the key to building trust, motivating employees, and achieving common goals.
When leaders communicate effectively, they can:
Clearly articulate their vision and goals
Effective leaders can clearly articulate their vision and goals to their team members in an inspiring and motivating way. They can also explain how their team members' work contributes to the overall vision and goals of the organization.
Build trust and rapport
Effective leaders can build trust and rapport with their team members by communicating in a way that is honest, sincere, and respectful. They can also listen actively to their team members and show they care about their needs and concerns.
Motivate and inspire
Effective leaders can motivate and inspire their team members by communicating in a positive and uplifting way. They are also able to recognize and reward their team members' accomplishments.
Drive results
Effective leaders can drive results by communicating their expectations clearly and concisely to their team members. They can also provide regular feedback and support to help their team members achieve their goals.
The Different Facets of Leadership Communication
There are many different facets of leadership communication, including:
Verbal communication: This includes the words you use, your tone of voice, and your body language.
Written communication: This includes emails, letters, reports, and other forms of written communication.
Nonverbal communication: This includes your facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact.
Effective leaders can use all of these different facets of communication effectively to convey their message and build relationships with their team members.
For example, when giving a presentation, an effective leader will use verbal communication to clearly articulate their message, nonverbal communication to engage their audience, and written communication to provide supporting materials.
Action Steps to Enhancing Your Leadership Communication Skills
There are several things you can do to enhance your leadership communication skills, including:
Be clear and concise
When communicating with your team members, it is important to be clear and concise in your message. Avoid using jargon or technical language that your team members may not understand.
Be an active listener
It is just as important to listen to your team members as it is to speak to them. Pay attention to what they are saying and ask clarifying questions to ensure that you fully understand their perspective.
Be empathetic
Try to see things from your team members' perspectives and be understanding of their needs. This will help you to build trust and rapport with them.
Be authentic
Be yourself and communicate in a way that is genuine and sincere. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so being authentic in your interactions is important.
Effective Communication in Diverse Scenarios
When communicating with diverse teams, it is important to be mindful of the following:
Be respectful of cultural differences
Different cultures have different communication styles and norms. It is important to respect these differences and avoid making assumptions about how people from different cultures communicate.
Use inclusive language
When communicating with diverse teams, it is important to use inclusive language that is respectful of all genders, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.
Be aware of your own biases
We all have biases, but it is important to be aware of them so that they do not cloud our communication. Be mindful of your biases and try to communicate in a fair and objective way.
You can also consider the following tips for effective leadership communication in diverse scenarios:
Take the time to get to know your team members: The more you know about them, the better you will be able to communicate with them effectively. Take the time to get to know their backgrounds, interests, and communication styles.
Create a safe space for communication: Make sure that your team members feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. This means creating a safe space where they feel respected and valued.
Encourage feedback: Encourage your team members to give you feedback on your communication style. This will help you to identify areas where you can improve.
Decision-Making
As a leader, you are constantly making big and small decisions. From hiring and firing employees to setting strategic goals, your decisions can profoundly impact your team, your organization, and even the world around you.
The Range of Leadership Decision-Making
Leadership decision-making can be divided into three broad categories:
Strategic decisions: These are the big-picture decisions that shape the future of your organization, such as entering a new market, acquiring a competitor, or launching a major new product line.
Tactical decisions: These are the day-to-day decisions that help you achieve your strategic goals, such as how to allocate resources, how to set priorities, and how to manage your team.
Operational decisions: These are the routine decisions that keep your organization running smoothly, such as how to schedule employees, how to handle customer complaints, and how to maintain your equipment.
Action Steps to Mastering Effective Leadership Decisions
No matter what type of decision you are making, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that your decisions are effective:
Gather information
Before making any decision, gathering as much information as possible is important. This includes understanding the problem you are trying to solve, the different options available to you, and the potential consequences of each option.
Consider all stakeholders
When making a decision, it is important to consider the interests of all stakeholders, including your employees, customers, shareholders, and the community.
Weigh the pros and cons
Once you have gathered information and considered all stakeholders, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option. This includes considering both the short-term and long-term consequences of your decision.
Make a timely decision
Once you have weighed the pros and cons, it is important to decide promptly. Indecision can be just as damaging as making a bad decision.
Communicate your decision
Once you have made a decision, it is important to communicate it to all stakeholders clearly and concisely. Be sure to explain your decision-making process and why you chose the option you did.
What to do when you need to make a decision under pressure?
When you are under pressure, it can be difficult to make effective decisions. But there are a few things you can do to improve your decision-making skills in these situations:
Take a step back. If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to step back from the situation and clear your head. This will help you to think more clearly and make better decisions.
Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust about the decision you need to make. They can offer you support and advice and help you to think through the different options.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are unsure about what to do, don't be afraid to ask for help from a colleague, manager, or mentor.
Trust your gut. Sometimes, the best way to make a decision under pressure is to trust your gut instinct. If you have a strong feeling about one option, go with it.
Decision-making is a critical skill for leaders. By following the tips above, you can improve your decision-making skills and make better decisions for your team, your organization, and yourself.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's also about being aware of how others perceive you. Self-aware leaders can leverage their strengths and weaknesses to achieve their goals and build strong relationships with their team members.
Self-awareness is essential for leaders because it allows them to:
Make better decisions
Self-aware leaders can weigh their own biases and perspectives when making decisions. This helps them to make more objective and informed choices.
Communicate more effectively
Self-aware leaders can tailor their communication style to their audience. They are also able to listen actively and understand the perspectives of others.
Manage their emotions
Self-aware leaders can recognize and manage their own emotions. This helps them to stay calm and collected under pressure and to avoid making rash decisions.
Build trust
Self-aware leaders are honest and transparent with their team members. They are also willing to admit their mistakes and learn from them. This helps to build trust and rapport with their team.
Exploring Different Aspects of Self-Awareness
There are many different aspects of self-awareness, including:
Personal strengths and weaknesses: Self-aware leaders know their own strengths and weaknesses. They can leverage their strengths to achieve their goals and are willing to work on their weaknesses.
Values and beliefs: Self-aware leaders understand their own values and beliefs. This helps them to make decisions that are aligned with their core values and to build a team that shares their values.
Motivations: Self-aware leaders understand what motivates them. This helps them to set goals that are meaningful to them and to stay motivated even when things get tough.
Impact on others: Self-aware leaders are aware of their impact on others. They can manage their emotions and behaviors in a way that builds trust and respect.
Action Steps to Developing Your Self-Awareness
There are several things you can do to develop your self-awareness, including:
Reflect on your experiences: Take some time each day to reflect on your experiences. What went well? What could you have done better? How did your actions and behaviors impact others?
Get feedback from others: Ask trusted colleagues, friends, and family members for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. Be open to their feedback, and use it to identify areas where you can improve.
Take personality assessments: There are several personality assessments that can help you to better understand your strengths, weaknesses, and personality type. This one by Myers and Briggs is a must-try.
Work with a coach or mentor: A coach or mentor can help you to develop your self-awareness and to identify areas where you can grow.
How do you nurture self-awareness after developing it?
Here are a few tips for nurturing self-awareness as a leader:
Be honest with yourself: It's important to be honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Don't try to be someone you're not.
Be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What triggers certain emotions? How do you react to different situations?
You can become a more effective and successful leader by developing your self-awareness. You will be able to make better decisions, communicate more effectively, manage your emotions, and build trust with your team members.
Integrating Core Leadership Skills into Purpose-Driven Leadership
Communication, decision-making, and self-awareness are all interconnected skills.
Effective communication is essential for purpose-driven leaders to share their vision, make decisions, and build relationships. Sound decision-making requires purpose-driven leaders to communicate effectively with their team and stakeholders, consider multiple perspectives, and make decisions aligned with their values and purpose. Self-awareness is essential for purpose-driven leaders to communicate effectively, make sound decisions, and lead from a place of authenticity and integrity.
Key Takeaway
Developing core leadership skills is not just a path to personal growth but a journey toward becoming a genuinely effective and influential leader. As you navigate the intricate terrain of leadership, remember that mastering these skills is a transformative process that requires commitment, introspection, and continuous development.
Embrace this journey, and you will not only excel as a leader but also inspire those around you to reach their full potential.