How to gain Leadership Skills at Any Level in Your Career
Why Leadership Skills Matter
Leadership skills are crucial for a variety of reasons, both personal and professional. They help you: Maximise your strengths and contribute more effectively to your team. Take initiative when others hesitate. Instill confidence and inspiration in your team, boosting productivity. Navigate challenges with resilience and creativity. No matter where you are in your career, leadership qualities will elevate your contributions, making you a valuable asset in any organisation
Tips to Develop Leadership Skills
1. Expand Your Role & Take Initiative
Start small by expanding your responsibilities. Leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about stepping up when needed. Volunteer to lead projects, mentor junior colleagues, or take on additional responsibilities in your current role.
Pro Tip: Ask your manager for opportunities to take on leadership tasks, such as delegating work, managing an intern, or stepping into their role when they’re on holiday. This shows initiative and helps you get used to the challenges that come with leadership.
2. Find a Leadership Mentor
Identify someone in your organization who exemplifies the leadership qualities you admire. Ask them to mentor you and observe their methods in challenging situations. Not only will you learn from their experiences, but you'll also have someone who can provide valuable feedback on your leadership journey.
3. Learn Your Leadership Style
Every leader is different. There are numerous leadership styles-such as visionary, coach, democratic, or transformational-and understanding which one resonates with you can help you refine your approach. Knowing your style will also allow you to improve.
4. Invest in Formal Education
Don't underestimate the power of formal education.
Sign up for leadership courses, webinars, or workshops. Many organisations offer internal training programs, or you can explore external options like Alison, Thinka, Leadership GLobal, Course Arena, Fortune Education and Udemy online leadership courses.
Pro Tip: Actively apply what you learn from these courses to real-life scenarios at work, and engage in discussions with your team to see how they respond to new approaches.
Opportunities to Practice Leadership
Outside of Work
Leadership opportunities aren't limited to the workplace. You can hone your skills in various personal environments as well:
Volunteer for a nonprofit: Take on leadership roles by organising events or leading a team for a cause you care about.
Join a community group: Step up to help plan local initiatives or lead a committee.
Coach a youth sports team: Managing a group of energetic kids is a crash course in leadership!
The Leadership Journey is Continuous
Becoming a great leader doesn't happen overnight. It's an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and improving. Always seek out new ways to grow your leadership skills, whether through formal education, mentorship, or everyday interactions with your team.
Final Thought: The first person you must lead is yourself. Take control of your personal development, and you'll naturally grow into a leader others want to follow.
What other tips or experiences do you have for developing leadership skills? Share your thoughts below! Follow us for more tips and tricks for your next career move!