by Mike Stratfold

Created on: December 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 19, 2009

There are many skills that need developing in modern leaders today, not just in Australia but world wide.

Many experts and theorists believe that leaders are born with inherent skills, but research has revealed that most leadership skills and traits are learnt or developed and perfected over time. Lets look at the main areas that need to be considered when looking at leadership skills.

1. Study your own strengths and areas for development.

First ascertain what you are good at doing in terms of Managing, Organising, Leading , Staffing and Controlling.

These are the five management functions. Once you have worked this out review the areas you would like to improve in and take appropriate training or specific action to improve your skills.

2. Learn how to delegate effectively.

If you can delegate tasks effectively then you have learnt a most effective skill.

Many managers or leaders will delegate a task and not take ownership of the end result if it goes bad. Remember you have to cjeck for level of understanding when delegating and that you need to take some level of responsibility for the outcome.

3. Learn the leadership styles.

Master all of the leadership styles that you should get to know especially which ones you are good at and which styles you need to improve. These are:

Participative style, Consulting style, Negotiative style, Delegative style, Directive style.

Most leaders are comfortable using a few of these styles.

 If you master them all then you are on the way to becoming a better leader.

4. Consult with the experts or other people around you.

Ask your staff for feedback on how they think you are going. You will be surprised to hear what your staff have to say about you and you should learn a lot about your leadership in the workplace. Once you have done this try to apply what you have learnt.

5. Improve your own presentation skills.

Try to spend at least one hour a day talking to your staff on how they are performing. If your staff are doing well, then you are in part doing your job well.

6. Provide genuine and specific feedback.

You must give specific and constructive feedback to your staff on a regular basis. If you don't do this then you are not being a very good leader.

7. Prioritize your own time and your staff's time.

Give yourself time to plan and organize yourself. This does not happen by accident, because the best leaders are organized and ready for the week and the months and even years ahead. This is in essence both short term operational

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