How to achieve the qualities of a leader

Are you ready to become a leader? It’s not enough to just be knowledgeable in your field to be a leader, it also requires an understanding of how to motivate others, problem-solve, and make important decisions. But don’t worry, achieving this is within reach. With the right guidance and information, anyone can develop the qualities needed to succeed as a leader.

Develop your communication skills

Communication is a skill that we use every day, and it’s crucial to be able to express yourself clearly and effectively. However, much like a muscle, communication skills need to be exercised regularly to stay strong. And developing these skills is essential when striving to gain more independence.

Good communication isn’t just talking and sharing your opinions. It’s important to take the time to hear what other people are saying so that you can respond more thoughtfully. As leaders, it is our responsibility to actively listen and understand a variety of perspectives. Active listening isn’t just hearing what someone is saying, but giving them your undivided attention and processing their words to gain a deeper understanding of their point of view. By doing this, you will create an environment of inclusivity and open-mindedness, while developing your communication skills.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Communication involves understanding what the other person is saying, and ensuring that they understand you. So, asking for clarification if you’re ever unsure will significantly improve these skills.

Build trust and respect

Cultivating relationships with others is key to building trust and respect, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem. If you find yourself to be unsociable or uncomfortable around other people, you can still build trust and respect while stepping slightly outside of your comfort zone.

When in a professional environment, take the time to get to know your colleagues. You can discuss interests, hobbies, and even your favourite books or movies. You never know where a simple interaction can lead.

However, if this is too far out of your comfort zone, then you can make smaller steps by asking for help, or helping others, when possible. You can develop relationships while building that trust and respect while showing your potential. Being a leader isn’t about knowing everything, it’s all about being a reliable person to turn to for support. So, asking for help when you need it is much better than attempting to do everything yourself, and helping others is a huge bonus!

Be organised and efficient

During busy periods at work, it is common to feel overwhelmed and struggle to stay organised. But, with a little bit of effort, you’ll be able to manage multiple tasks easily, which is essential to become a leader.

Start by decluttering your workspace and creating a system to priotisie your tasks. You can break down projects into smaller, management tasks and even use project management software and tools to help. Also attempt to set achievable deadlines for yourself, which will help you avoid becoming overwhelmed or disorganised.

Being organised saves time and boosts productivity while reducing stress. Prioritisation is key to becoming organised, and with a positive attitude and determination, you’ll become a master of multitasking in no time.

Take the initiative

Leadership is not about waiting for someone else to make decisions or take action. You’ll need to take the initiative and trust your own instincts. When we wait for others to take the lead, we limit the potential of what can be accomplished. Therefore, to become a leader, you need to step up and take charge when needed.

To do this, you will need to trust yourself, display confidence and become proactive and willing to take risks. By taking the initiative, you have the opportunity to shape the outcome and make a difference. And if sometimes it doesn’t go your way, it will still be a learning curve to help you become a better leader.

Lead by example

You can set examples by modelling the behaviour you would want to see from others. As a leader, setting an example is not just a suggestion, it is a requirement, as others will be influenced by your actions, creating a ripple effect.

This can include anything from arriving on time to meetings, showing respect to colleagues, and staying positive during challenging situations. Always remember that people are watching you, whether you are currently a leader or not. Therefore, it’s important to set a positive example to show that you can demonstrate what it means to be responsible, committed and an effective leader when the time comes.

Ready to start your career?

To become a successful leader, you’ll need to have the knowledge behind you so that you can demonstrate and develop these skills. Browse through our AAT, ACCA, and CIMA courses and start your accounting and finance journey today with a 7 day free trial!