What do you think will be the priority skills for organizational leadership in 2019?
I’ve been writing about this in recent posts. Some schools of thought assert there are distinct administrative models: one being purely managerial, and another being purely leadership. I believe successful leadership in 2019 will result from a mastery and blend of three skill sets: leadership skills, management skills and people skills. Have you mastered all three?
Because they deal with the variable, emotional and uncertain aspects of human nature, soft skills require a caring, personable approach. This begins with a focus on helping others, getting to know them and attempting to meet their needs. In response, people are drawn in and extend trust and loyalty.
As a coach, it’s easy for me to see how leaders who regard people skills as unnecessary or unimportant handicap their careers and the performance of their organizations. Those who have great people skills have a loyal following with employees who perform at their best.
A leader’s character and personality play an important role in the effectiveness of their people skills, including respectfulness, positivity and fairness. Traits that overlap this leadership skill category are integrity and setting the example of morality in the organization. A leader’s behavior and mindset establish a culture that drives the personality of the company.
Personal communication skills help a leader connect with people as they actively listen, follow through on commitments and offer encouragement. A leader who is transparent, accountable and open to feedback earns significant trust. This is the kind of leader most people dream of having.
Leaders who master the three skillsets—leadership skills, management skills and people skills— have the most well-rounded and successful leadership careers. They lead people who pull together, go above and beyond and prosper, both individually and corporately.
What do you think? What are the priority skills for organizational leadership in 2019? You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here, or on LinkedIn.
