AtoZ Blogging Challenge – L for leadership

“You need to develop your leadership skills” is probably the most used line in performance feedback discussions, especially when the employee in question has less than a decade’s experience. I remember a few friends who were in the same team discussing their first ever appraisal. Everyone of them was told the same thing by their boss. And that was, ‘learn to think like a leader. You need leadership skills to get ahead’. We all broke our heads wondering what leadership skills? And then one day I met Mr. Anil Ambani. Those two hours were a lesson in personality development for me. Over the years, I have picked a tip or two about what an organisation looks for in its potential leaders.

1. Leadership begins with confidence. If you display an appearance of nervousness or being unsure of yourself then no one would have faith in you. How can you expect anyone to follow you? How can you lead? Being confident in any given situation is an absolute necessity. It is okay to not know stuff. You can always check and get back. Faltering is fatal!
2. Leaders look beyond the obvious. Cultivate the ability to analyse a situation and develop your own point of view. If you nod your head with everyone else, you are a follower and not a leader. Now this is easier said than done. Developing this skill takes some curiosity, some alertness and a lot of practice. You need to be aware of what is happening in the organisation, in the office and only then can you come up with a valid point of view.
3. Have courage, take risks. Leaders have the courage to be different and stand up for what they believe in. If this means disagreeing with your boss and telling him what you think, do it. Don’t go about calling him names though! That will not go down well :p However do not be shy when you have a contrasting opinion. If you present it professionally, you will be respected for it. Before you know it, your manager will want to know your opinion for several other things as well. Someone who plays safe all the time and does not stick their neck out won’t inspire others. You need to be prepared to take calculated risks.
4. Show flexibility. This is very important in the initial years and as you rise to a higher position. Unless there is a very strong reason, do not refuse to relocate, change roles or take on random projects. These are the opportunities to prove your worth. These are occasions to show that you can shine outside of your mundane work as well.