by Charles Ray

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 07, 2009

Like any skill, whether it's playing tennis or doing needlepoint, leadership requires certain things for success. First and foremost, one must master the basics. Then, in order to maintain a level of success, and even improve performance, leaders must practice their trade. Unlike sports and other skills, however, practice of leadership is done in real life situations. A leader, unlike a basketball player, does not have the luxury of hours of free throw practice before the big game, or like a golfer, spending time on the driving range before a tournament. Except for a few limited circumstances, the practice of leadership is accomplished while in a leadership position. The few exceptions will be outlined later.

First, the basic skills that must be mastered in order to be an effective leader.

- High moral standards. Honesty and integrity are the foundation upon which successful leadership is built.

- Intelligence. The ability to learn, and never stop learning is essential in today's IT age. In addition to the technical skills associated with the particular job, it also includes skill in oral and written presentation.

- Desire to lead. This desire must be to lead for the right reasons. If you want a leadership position solely for the power it gives you over others, then you should seek another line of work.

- Ability to take risks. This also includes the ability and willingness to encourage others to be innovative and take risks. It is through taking risks that progress is made.

- Respect for self and others. This skill should need no explanation. It is extremely important that a leader have self-respect. It is only through liking and respecting yourself that you can truly respect others.

These form a basic skill set for successful leadership in any type of organization. So now, how do we go about refining these skills. First, by practicing them each and every day in all of our actions large and small. For actions or decisions taken, consider the moral and ethical dimensions. Remind yourself each time you make a decision of the ethical basis of that decision. In other words, refine by doing. If enhancement of your speaking skills is the desired objective, then seek out opportunities to speak. Same for writing. Learn by doing.

Study is also an excellent, in fact highly recommended, way to enhance skills. Reading and taking formal instruction will help you improve existing skills as well as learn new things. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit for the leader, or aspiring leader.

And, it's just that simple. Improving your leadership skills by leading. Now, how hard was that?

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