There has long been a debate about whether leaders are born or created through learning. In truth, there is an element of validity in both arguments. Nevertheless, irrespective of which school is followed, there is no doubt that to be a successful leader means that the person in question has to possess or learn certain key skills. Identifying the unique leadership skills that are needed to ensure a business will achieve its aims and objectives is more complex than most people believe. The reason for this rests upon the fact that there is both a psychological as well as practical aspect to leadership skills.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS
The very concept of the term leadership indicates that there are those who need to be led, namely the followers. This suggests there is an element of truth in the term "leaders are born not made" and that not all of us can be leaders. Nevertheless, such a statement does not preclude anyone from owning a business. It is simply a question of identifying the business leader and what attributes they require. Within this section, it is intended to concentrate upon these psychological issues.
Self-assessment
In the view of the author, the most important skill relating to leadership is the ability to be able to assess with honestly ones own capabilities and limitations. You need to ask yourself whether you have the abilities and skills to be a leader. There are countless instances where business innovators and its main drivers have recognised that, although they possess the skills to create a unique product or service, their ability to lead and manage the business is lacking. In such cases, although they have maintained ultimate control over the business direction, these people have understood the need to employ leaders who can deliver the skill qualities needed to make the business successful.
Leadership style
The second psychological skill is apparent in understanding the style of leader you are. Leadership style has a significant influence upon the organisational cultures and sub-cultures that develops within a business.
Although every individual is unique and a number of different leadership styles have been identified by various academics over the years, the most commonly recognised styles within a business environment can be deemed the authoritarian, innovative and team leadership styles. Part of the process of assessing whether your leadership style is appropriate for the achievement of business success is to assess which of these attributes most apply to your own personality.
Whilst the above leadership definitions might not apply definitively to an individual, one of these styles will be a dominant force. For example, some people may want ultimate control over the decision making process and expect those who work for them to abide by their instructions without discussion or input. The innovative leader will expect their employees to respond positively to the ideas they are creating and to become committed to seeing these ideas becoming an integral part of the business ethos. Team leadership on the other hand relies heavily upon the ability of the leader to create a situation where employee involvement within the business is important. In this case, the leader will take notice of the input and ideas that are generated from the people they employ and, where appropriate, incorporate these as part of the business strategy.
Integrity
Many people would not consider integrity to be a leadership skill, but the author would disagree with this view. However, although it can be argued that the basis concept of integrity is instilled in us because of our upbringing, when a person becomes a leader of an organisation often these traits become secondary to our desire to keep our intentions secret from those involved with the business and other external forces such as competitors. This can result from a fear that others, particularly those we employ, will steal our ideas or become better than us.
However, employees are perceptive and will soon see whether their leaders are acting with integrity or not. Therefore, it is important for a leader to be open and honest with their employees, and indeed every other stakeholder who has a connection with the business.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
As stated at the commencement of this article there are practical skills that a leader can learn to enhance his or her natural abilities, which include those discussed in the following sections.
Competence
Competence is an important skill factor. Employees might forgive leaders the occasional error but they will not follow someone who does not know, or is lacking in competence in the skills needed for his or her role in the business. Leaders are expected to know about the main products or services provided by the business and should be aware of the art of management and control. Lack of these skills will soon manifest itself in poor performance, which in turn will threaten the livelihood of all the employees.
Knowledge skills
Knowledge skills are not exclusively related to a leaders competence level, although there is a connection between the two. Nevertheless, knowledge extends beyond the internal workings of the business and its operations. A good leader will have the skill to be aware that he and the business requires knowledge about competitors, the physical and political environment, target consumers and the local community where the business is located. The skill in this respect is in understanding what knowledge is required and how to gain access to it. Furthermore, this skill extends to being able to use that knowledge to the advantage of the business and its employees.
Communication
Great leaders are invariably great communicators. All leaders should aspire to become good communicators because this skill will directly influence the motivational needs and productivity levels of the workforce. A direct path of communication between the leader and their employees will reduce the chance of misunderstandings that could lead to costly mistakes being made. Furthermore, it also makes the employee feel valued. For example, an employee will be far more receptive to a change in corporate policy or strategy if this is communicated and discussed with them properly rather than just being ordered to make the change.
Relationship and teamwork
Building a relationship and teamwork environment with the workforce is another important skill for the business leader to show. Every employee has certain needs and desires that need to be satisfied and one of these is the need to feel part of the business team. Research conducted by experts such as Mitzberg in the early part of the last century showed that, if employees were involved within the business team, which included their having a say in some of the decision making processes, they would be more willing to commit to the business. Teamwork leads to loyalty and this improves the business performance by a) increasing employee retention rates and b) improving productivity and quality. It requires a skilled leader to create the appropriate relationship with employees and therefore encourage a culture of teamwork within the business.
SUMMARY
As has been demonstrated within this article, recognising the unique leadership skills that are required to achieve business success requires a combination of understanding ones own capabilities and the needs of those that work for you. If you do not understand yourself or understand how to effectively manage those who look to you for leadership then success will not be achieved.