Last week, we talked about “Three Essential Skills for a Successful Business.” We all have this idea that a boss sits back and relaxes as other people do their roles in the company. The truth is, it takes a lot of work to be able to get to this level as a leader. And even then, people will always need management and opportunities and resources for growth. To get to the level of handling a well-oiled machine, leaders must be extra efficient in leading. It is a leader’s job to influence people to see a common goal for the company and equip them with the career development tools and resources to hone their skills.

Leadership is not about telling people what to do but about influence by example and action. The previous article mentions these 5 powerful skills that every leader needs to master the art of powerful and positive leadership. Let’s dive into each:

1. Communication
The art of communication is very hard to master. Good leaders know how to convey a message using the appropriate words, language, and tone. Body language is also as important as spoken words.

2. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. The best way to describe it is to “put yourself in another’s shoes.” Good leaders have the ability to be a good listener and keep an open mind to accommodate differences in points of views.

3. Delegation
Every hiring manager knows the difficult job of placing the right person in the right role. But once hired, people can go both ways – be the perfect fit, or be unfit for the role. Every leader is essentially assessing their employees’ superpowers and weaknesses at all times in order to be able to delegate the correct job to the right person. The success of the project depends on how well leaders manage their employees strengths and weaknesses.

4. Practical thinking
Basically, leaders must be able to make informed, data based, critical decisions quickly and efficiently without letting their personal biases or emotions influence them.

5. Risk management and foresight
The pandemic has taught a lot of leaders the value of having a business continuity program. Very few imagined the coronavirus scenario. Most are prepared for disaster and cyber risks, but not for a virus that could wipe out entire populations. Now, leaders are more prepared and armed with data in order to map out a business continuity program that includes health and safety scenarios.

To some people, good leadership abilities come naturally. For most of us, it is a learned skill. One that you can hone by reading books, taking courses, and watching and adopting the ways of those who have built successful business empires through diligence, the right cast and crew, and good leadership. What are the leadership skills that you think are essential for every business owner? Share your tips with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp