In the realm of leadership, those who rise to the level of exceptional leaders are those who have honed their leadership skills to perfection. Followers are drawn to leaders based on two fundamental aspects: the leader's character and their skills. This article will delve into the top five skills that exceptional leaders must master. By mastering these skills, you will see your influence grow exponentially.
Exceptional leaders are those who can articulate their vision in a manner that their followers can easily comprehend, internalize, and own. Only then can they execute it! Therefore, focus on enhancing your verbal and written communication skills. Express your passion for your vision clearly and use various methods of communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Above all, communicate frequently!
One of the greatest compliments a leader can receive is being told that they can foresee things months before others. This foresight is a crucial skill for a leader. Leaders are always looking ahead, strategizing about the future while followers are concerned about the present. Constantly look ahead, practice making projections, and hone your ability to "see" the future. When you can do this better than others, they will naturally look to you for leadership.
What steps will you take to achieve your goal? Many people can suggest a destination, but it is the exceptional leader who can chart the course for everyone to reach that destination! Work on developing a plan for you and your followers. Remember to consider the varying skill and passion levels of your team members. Master this skill, and when people want to reach their goals quickly, they will turn to you for leadership.
One of the world's leading companies in leadership development is General Electric. This is largely due to their CEO, Jack Welch, who emphasizes the importance of current leaders teaching others. He spends an extraordinary amount of time teaching in the classroom. Strive to improve your teaching techniques and seize every opportunity to teach those who would follow you.
Having a great goal is one thing, but if you aspire to be an exceptional leader, you must inspire your followers. Help them see the big picture, the fantastic end results, and how beneficial it will be for them and others. Above all, make it exciting. If it's a good goal, it should be exciting. If it isn't, discard it and find a goal that others can get excited about.
In conclusion, exceptional leadership requires mastery of these five skills: exceptional communication, foresight, strategic planning and action, teaching ability, and the ability to inspire others. By honing these skills, you can elevate your leadership to extraordinary levels.
