Great leaders can lead with confidence and inspire others to follow by example. They are experts in their respective fields and play a vital role in their associates’ professional and personal growth. High-performing leaders, on the other hand, possess these qualities and take it to the next level. So, what leadership skills do you need in order to upgrade your capabilities? What attributes must you possess to become a high-performing leader? What should you be learning on your leadership skills training? Read ahead to find out.
1. Creativity
Creativity as a skill is valuable, whether you’re a practitioner in finance or in graphic design. It is defined as a phenomenon of turning new and innovative ideas into reality. And as a consistently evolving society, we are always looking for the next big thing or the eye-opening breakthrough, where creativity plays a vital role.
For a high-performing leader, creativity is a skill in managing their people: how to keep the team’s morale high and how to move them forward to greater accomplishments. This allows them to lead themselves and others to more meaningful careers.
2. Negotiation
Effective leaders negotiate. And it all boils down to relationships they build within and outside their company. Internally, when a leader is able to understand the interests of their people and find ways to satisfy those interests while simultaneously achieving organizational goals, they practice negotiation efficiently.
The same conclusion applies when a leader establishes rapport with partner organizations and sustains it to the best of their ability. The challenge arises when one compromises excessively, to the point of deteriorating their integrity. While negotiation is taught in all leadership skill training programs, keep in mind that the key is to know and assess your limits.
3. Cognitive flexibility
Learning never stops. This is a fact of life. Cognitive flexibility may not be everyone’s first item in their leadership skills training list, but it is essential.
Besides being open-minded and receptive to change, thinking ahead and inclusively is a part of cognitive flexibility. Most leaders will know for certain what they want to accomplish for themselves and their team now or in a few months’ time. However, high-performing leaders will also have a five-year strategy that they can bank on along with their short-term goals.
Then, there’s thinking inclusively, which perpetuates the idea of hiring a diverse pool of employees. Less progress happens when teams only include like-minded people. We also must celebrate individuals who challenge traditional norms.
4. Complex problem solving and critical thinking
The capability to spot and address problems early on is a skill that high-performing leaders must master. In Dale Carnegie of Singapore’s leadership skills training for managers, you are taught that solving complex problems and critical thinking go hand in hand.
For example, when small issues arise in your team, critical thinking helps you think objectively and rationally in order to solve the problem. It prevents the issue from growing bigger and disrupting the peace.
5. People-first management
To lead with empathy and empowerment is the ultimate goal for any high-performing leader. Ronald Reagan once said, “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
At the end of the day, you are there to guide and help your people. When your team is able to grow professionally and personally through your leadership, everything else follows. Mutual respect blossoms win-win relationships. With satisfied and empowered associates, comes the path to progression and success.
Unlock your true potential of becoming a high-performing leader with Dale Carnegie Singapore. Sign up in one of our many extensive courses today.