Think about the most admired and respected leaders you know... Now ask yourself what is it that makes them stand out from the rest?
Whilst I am sure their list of accomplishments are as impressive as they are extensive, a more likely reason is we admire and respect because they have connected with us at an emotional level.
So can anyone become an admired and respected leader, and where do I start? The good news yes. Everyone has the ability to develop emotional skills. Lets look at 6 key skills that will have an immediate impact on you and those around you.
1. Learning Agility
In a world filled with rapid change and uncertainty, the ability to learn from experience and quickly adapt to new situations has become a necessity. Leader's with high levels of learning agility are able to reflect on their experiences, identify patterns of commonality and adapt what they’ve learned to a new situation.
So, how can you develop learning agility?
- Reading: Reading helps to stimulate the brain, reduce stress, increase knowledge, improve concentration and build stronger analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Journalling: Journaling provides a wide array of benefits, including; coping with anxiety and stress, increased focus, enhanced memory recall and retention.
- Stretching: Pushing boundaries and taking risks where ambiguity and uncertainty puts you out of your comfort zone.
2. Self-Awareness
Self awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence, as it revolves around recognising the emotions that you experience, identifying the feelings associated with them, and understanding what you think and do as a result. More importantly, it is about recognising that we have the power to control our emotions, and not be controlled by them.
So, how can you develop self awareness?
- Keep a journal and reflect on your experiences. What transpired, how did you feel, and how did you react.
- Conduct an honest self-assessment of your strengths and limitations, and ask others for their feedback.
- Complete a personality or behavioural assessment to discover your values, skills and abilities.
In a recent study, 37% of respondents cited that a lack of self awareness was an attribute they associated with being a bad boss.
3. Self-Confidence
The ability to be decisive and make sound decisions despite uncertainties and pressure, or voice views that are unpopular and go out on a limb for what is right are important skills for leaders in times of change.
So, how can you develop self confidence?
- Be Prepared: Know all there is to know about yourself and your job, your people and their job, your competitors and the industry.
- Body Language: How you hold yourself often reflects how you act. Positive body language promotes confidence.
- Never Give Up: Don't succumb to mediocrity and accept second best. Success in times of adversity boosts confidence.
4. Self-Control
The ability to manage disruptive emotions and impulses is an important skill that allows leaders to stay composed, focussed and positive even in the most trying of moments. Self control does not mean being polite and refraining from speaking your mind, it does however mean knowing when and how to express yourself.
So, how can you develop self control?
- Eat Right: Ensure you have a healthy balanced diet with slow burning carbs. The brain burns glucose when exerting self-control.
- Exercise: As little as 10 minutes a day can help to release neurotransmitters that make your brain feel soothed and in control of your impulses.
- Sleep: The brain’s ability to control impulses is nil without glucose, and a lack of sleep diminishes the brains ability to absorb glucose.
5. Empathy
The ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing is a critical skill of leaders. Empathy does not mean you should change your decisions because of how others might feel, it does however mean you should make an effort to look at things from their perspective.
So, how can you develop empathy?
- Active Listening: Don't just listed to what people say, listen to how they say it. Take the time to learn more about others.
- Express Yourself: Be fearless in the way you express your feelings. Make an effort to share how you feel with others.
- Other People's Shoes: Make a conscious effort to look at issues from the perspective of others.
6. Optimism
The ability to operate from hope of success rather than fear of failure, and persist in pursuing goals despite obstacles and setbacks is often what separates good leaders from great leaders. Optimism promotes self confidence and risk taking, and spreads like wild fire when nurtured.
So, how can you develop optimism?
- Foster Positivity: You are only as good as the company you keep. Surround yourself with positive people.
- Be Realistic: Keeping things in perspective helps prevent things from being blown out of proportion.
- Positive Reinforcement: Feed your optimism with positive reminders. Display statements that inspire hope.
In Conclusion
Whilst there are a host of other attributes that highly effective leaders display, these are 6 that I believe have the biggest impact on us and and the people around us.
