Imagine a world where you can confidently guide your team towards success, inspire others with your vision, and navigate challenges with grace. That's the power of leadership skills. As women trying to find our way through the rapidly changing business landscape, having effective leadership skills is not just a desirable trait; it's a necessity. Whether you're a seasoned professional working in the traditional corporate world, an aspiring entrepreneur looking to turn her small business into a big one, or someone simply seeking personal growth, understanding and honing these skills can open doors to numerous opportunities.

Defining The Language of Leadership

When someone asks you to define what a leader is, the first thing that pops into your mind is a person in charge; someone with knowledge, skills and experience that elevates them above the rest and makes them worthy of being held up as an example. 

Some might say a leader is the same thing as a boss, but it’s not that simple. We’re all heard that expression, “when a woman gets angry in a work meeting she's bossy, but if a man gets angry, he’s a boss.” The relationship between being a boss and a leader is intertwined, so defining leadership skills can be difficult. 

Does being  a leader mean being the most assertive, perhaps even at times, the most aggressive one in the room? Does being a leader mean going above and beyond to support the members of your team; being the first one in the office and staying late in case staff have a question about the project they’re burning the midnight oil to finish? You could also ask yourself, is leadership a skill? Or is it more of a trait? I say the answer to all these questions is yes. Leadership skills and leadership traits are interchangeable; simply a collection of abilities and attributes that enable you to influence and guide others towards a common goal. Leadership skills encompass a wide range of qualities, from effective communication and problem-solving to empathy and resilience - all of which are essential in the world of business. 

Leadership Skill #1: Communication

The ability to communicate effectively can take a lifetime to master, but it’s also one of the most essential leadership skills. A leader is someone who inspires, and the ability to inspire starts by connecting with others. Talking to people in a way that everyone gets, saying what's on your mind and really listening is super important. Why, you ask? Going from just giving orders to having real conversations can change how your team works together. When you talk honestly, you build trust and make it easier for everyone to work together. And you can use words like "also," "but," and "so" to make your ideas even clearer and more powerful.

Leadership Skills #2: Empathy

In the world of leadership, empathy is like a secret weapon. It means being able to understand and feel what others are going through. This doesn't just make the workplace a happier place, it actually helps everyone get more stuff done. Being empathetic isn't a sign that you're not strong – it's a sign that you're super strong. Changing your way of thinking from just focusing on tasks to really caring about your team can make you a leader that everyone looks up to.

Leadership Skill #3: Resilience 

Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors, and the same is true in business; no journey towards leadership is devoid of challenges. But when big waves come your way, the true test of leadership skills lies in how you navigate these obstacles. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is essential. How does a leader show resilience? Embrace problems as opportunities for growth, and encourage your team to adopt a similar mindset. Flexibility is the key; be open to adjusting plans as circumstances change. Communicate transparently, sharing your approach to overcoming challenges, to build trust and unity within your team. 

Leadership Skill #4: Inspiration 

Inspiration doesn’t mean putting Hang in There Baby posters all over the office or outlandish gestures of altruism; the ability to inspire simple means having a vision and being dedicated to making it happen. It could be something like working hard towards a sales target so everyone can get a cash bonus at Christmas time. Or it could be finishing early on a Friday once a month so your team can start their weekend early and maintain a good work/life balance. 

A compelling vision has the power to ignite passion and enthusiasm in others. As a leader, you have the privilege of setting the direction and tone for your team. Transitioning from merely stating goals to painting a vivid picture of the future can captivate your team's imagination. 

The Ripple Effect of Leadership Skills 

The impact of effective leadership skills extends far beyond the workplace. Transitioning from a leader who only influences her team to one who inspires positive change in her community can create a ripple effect of empowerment. When you lead with integrity, empathy, and a growth mindset, you become a role model for others to follow. Your leadership journey becomes a story of empowerment and inspiration.