Given Everything... Are Leadership Skills Important?
If you could invest in one skill, what would it be? Maybe you should learn another language or master AI. Perhaps you should become a crypto wizard or a driverless car mechanic.
With so many opportunities for personal development and the goalposts constantly shifting, it's easy to understand why people question why they should prioritise improving their leadership skills.
Are leadership skills important? The simple answer is yes. We would say that, of course. The more complex answer is yes, but. Leadership skills aren't relevant in all situations.
This article explains why.
Influence Scales Impact
Leadership skills transcend job titles and hierarchies. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a mid-level manager, or a senior executive, building credibility, influence and trust with those around you will significantly impact what you can achieve.
Leadership is about inspiring and motivating others towards a common goal, but it's also about strategy, decision-making, and peacekeeping. Leadership, in a nutshell, is seeing a destination others can't and describing it in a way that makes others want to follow you there.
Are leadership skills important?
Yes, if you want to influence others to work towards your vision.
No, if you're happy solo-hustling towards your horizon.
Empowering Accelerates Innovation
Successful teams have empowering leaders. Because leadership means delegating authority, trusting team members with their responsibilities, and encouraging different perspectives, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
By empowering others and encouraging creativity and innovation, you can accelerate innovation. Only when people have a voice and feel comfortable using it can you benefit from what they have to say?
Are leadership skills important?
Yes, if you want to benefit from others' skills, talents and ideas.
No, if your work doesn't benefit from different perspectives.
Change with Confidence
It's a cliché because it's true: change is constant. Leadership skills build your confidence in your ability to handle the unknown.
Effective leaders know how to anticipate shifts in the landscape, adapt their strategies accordingly, and maintain team morale in the face of adversity. Even when that team is a team of one, you.
Are leadership skills important?
Yes, if you want to thrive, drive, or survive change.
No, if your work isn't impacted by change.
Grow Your Team
Leaders set the tone for the workplace environment, influencing everything from work ethic to communication styles. Your ability to demonstrate empathy, integrity, and inclusiveness can cultivate a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
But we've all worked for bad bosses, those that don't know how to build bridges or are so easily influenced by others that a strong breeze could change their mind. People want to work with someone they know they can count on to do what they say.
Are leadership skills important?
Yes, if you want to work with others.
No, if your team is a team of one that will never grow.
The Verdict
You were right. We are biased. We think that no matter what happens with technological advancement, leadership skills are relevant to 99% of people in the workforce.
Though we have a special place in our hearts for the 1% who are independent artisans of their ancient craft, we don't have a special place for them in our leadership courses.
If you're not a person in the workforce, as you're one of our robot colleagues, then we hope you don't mind if we hold back on providing you with leadership training just yet.
