Sharpen Your Strategic Edge: 5 Skills to Become a Leader July 4, 2024

Effective leadership goes beyond simply managing tasks in today's fast-paced and competitive environment. To be a successful leader, one must develop a range of strategic skills that empower one to navigate challenges, inspire the team and achieve success.

In this article, we will go through the below skills to help one step into leadership's path:

Problem-Solving
Public speaking
Risk Management
Communicating with your team
Developing your team's performance

Here are five key strategic skills you can develop to become a leader:

1. Problem-Solving

Effective leaders are adept problem solvers. They approach challenges critically, seeking innovative solutions rather than quick fixes. This skill involves identifying the root cause of a problem, brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating the options and implementing the best course of action. A strategic leader would analyse the situation, explore alternative options (like finding a new supplier or adjusting deadlines), and implement the most effective solution to keep the project on track.

2. Public Speaking

Public speaking is crucial for leaders as it helps them inspire and motivate their teams, communicate vision and strategy and represent their organisation. A leader who can speak confidently and clearly can influence and engage their audience effectively. A leader giving a presentation on a new company strategy wouldn't just outline the plan; they would use storytelling and data to capture the audience's interest, address potential concerns and get everyone on board.

3. Risk Management

Leaders must be able to identify, assess and manage risks. This involves not only recognising potential threats but also understanding their impact and developing contingency plans and strategies to mitigate them. Good risk management ensures that a leader can navigate uncertainties and safeguard their organisation's interests. For example, a leader launching a new product line wouldn't just focus on the potential upside; they would also consider factors like competitor response, market fluctuations and potential production delays and have strategies in place to address them.

4. Communicating with Your Team

Effective communication within a team is vital for ensuring everyone is aligned with the organisation's goals and objectives. Leaders should be approachable, listen actively and provide clear and consistent messages to foster a collaborative and productive environment. Imagine a leader delegating tasks to their team. They wouldn't just assign duties; they would explain the rationale behind the project, answer questions and provide ongoing support, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards the same objective.

5. Developing Your Team's Performance

A great leader invests in their team's growth and development. This involves providing opportunities for learning, offering constructive feedback and recognising achievements. By focusing on team development, leaders can enhance their team's skills, boost morale and drive better performance. For instance, LinkedIn emphasises compassion and employee development. The company implemented initiatives like InDay, where employees are encouraged to spend one day a month focusing on personal development, community service or innovation. This approach improved individual performance and strengthened the overall team dynamic.

These are just a few strategic skills one can develop to become a more effective leader. By mastering these abilities, leaders will be well-equipped to navigate challenges, inspire the team and achieve extraordinary results.

Ready to accelerate your leadership development?

Consider enrolling in London Training for Excellence's Strategic Leadership Programme and Leadership and Management courses. The programme equips individuals with the tools and frameworks to excel in leadership roles.

Written by London Training for Excellence Team