We’ve talked a bit about how to lead and also how to manage, but we’ve not really addressed the skills needed to do either. For leadership, the list of needed skills is lengthy, and the most important part… none of them need to come naturally.
Imagine things IN actual nature. Trees don’t learn to grow leaves, they just do. Plants don’t learn to bloom, but people do. We don’t have to acquire our skills through instinct alone, so maybe it’s time to list what we feel we might be missing in the skill department.
If you want to develop the skills for innovation, learn to be curious and practice using it.
If you want to develop skills in communication, practice talking and listening.
And if you want to develop the skill for delegation, let go of the control for a moment and let someone else rise to the occasion.
You see, leadership and how to do it, is comprised of a set of skills, and different ones will be used for each person and situation you find yourself leading. But being a natural born leader is a misnomer and not realistic. When promoting, look for those willing and interested in learning. When working on your own leadership skill sets, make a list of what you want to learn and get after it.
I’m Monica Wofford and let’s keep talking… leadership.
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