Yes, leadership is a talent. But it is also so much more than that. Here are a few pointers on how to develop good leadership – and what it is really about.
Leadership can be like sports or art: some people are innately better equipped for it. But that does not mean that they are automatically great leaders – just like any other talent cannot flourish unless you actually train it and put it to use.
On the other hand, it also does not mean that you cannot learn to lead. Because you definitely can.
Why is leadership so important?
Leadership is central to any business. According to the research institute Gallup, organizations with a focus on good leadership have over 70 percent of their employees outperform the competition. Good leadership also means fewer resignations, less fluctuation, and even lower sick leave – that’s what a study by the German health insurance AOK revealed.
This is because leadership is not only responsible for the results and the company's success in numbers. It also affects how people feel at work, and ultimately their overall well-being, as work and private life become more and more interconnected.
If you feel unhappy at work, it certainly has a negative impact on your private life. We all know that!
What is good leadership?
Good leadership is not simply a question of excellence and expertise.
Above all, it is based on trust. The better, deeper, and broader the trust in a leader, the greater the capacity to lead people and organizations.
If a leader has their team's trust, she or he can set a direction, a vision, or a target that the organization can align with. Working towards a clear, shared goal and delivering results aligned with that gives everyone the opportunity to feel successful and appreciated.
Good leadership should be based on clear values. This is a fantastic way to create trust in a diverse world, where everyone should be seen and accepted as an individual. The things we value unite us and make us feel that we are doing things right.
Therefore, continuity, consistency, and predictability of the leader’s behavior are crucial. These principles are the foundation for achieving results as a team and as an individual in any organization.
How do I find and develop my leadership skills?
Anyone can develop leadership through practice and training, which is not only true for aspiring leaders. It is one of the most important tasks of a leader to continuously work on their leadership skills!
One of the most difficult and crucial aspects is to know yourself and your values and stay true to that; yet, this is the root from which any leadership style develops. That is where it starts.
The more practical ways of developing leadership skills include reading widely, finding targeted coaching, joining mentoring programs, engaging in networking – exchanging experiences and ideas with others, looking for examples, and discussing the next steps to achieve your goal.
However, each of us learns differently. Some by reading, some by doing, and others by discussing and listening. Find what works best for you.
Another essential part of leading: spend time with your people. Understand them and help them to develop and grow with the right steps. That part is often undervalued. But it is true leadership.
How do organizations find the right leaders?
Again, it all depends on culture and values. A leader can be successful if the organization – values, people, situation – suit their experience, style, and competencies. However, the same person can fail miserably if the above factors do not match. I have seen it many times and experienced it personally.
Many people seem to be able to take the role on paper. That is where the recruiting process comes in. The main task within the process is to find out who has the best hard and soft skills that fit the company culture, values, and – most importantly – the team.
Ultimately, people are everything. So as a leader, you should create an environment where your people can succeed. Because their success is yours.
Petri is an expert in interculturally demanding Executive search, Board recruitment as well as leadership development. You can get in touch with him via e-mail here.