Post on 08-Jun-2020
© 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All rights reserved.
Developing
Your Leadership Skills
Critical Leadership Skills
Communication
Interpersonal
Decision-making
Negotiation
Delegation
Personnel management
Communication Skills
Be responsive
Listen
Schedule one-on-one and team meetings to solicit
input
Keep employees informed
Share the “big picture”
Communication Skills
Convey information formally
– Know your objective
– Explain the importance of your message
– Customize for the audience
– Be enthusiastic
Value of Interpersonal Skills
CFOs were asked, “Which single factor weighs
most heavily in your decision to hire an executive-
level job candidate?”
# 1 answer: Verbal communication skills and problem-
solving abilities tied at 34% each.
Interpersonal Skills
Make the extra effort
Be open-minded
Network
Decision-making Ability
Indecisiveness–––––––Snap decisions
Decision-making Ability
Be diligent about gathering facts
Seek input from staff
Don’t procrastinate on a decision
Be comfortable sharing credit
Negotiation Skills
Requires an ability to manage office politics
The best negotiators:
– Do their homework
– Listen to all points of view
– Know when to compromise
Delegation Skills
Delegation = Seeking the assistance of an employee
you’re confident can successfully complete the task
38% of executives surveyed cited delegation of
responsibilities as the most effective time management
technique
Delegation Skills
Be clear about expectations
Let the employee manage the project
Offer thanks
Personnel Management Skills
Executives were asked, “Which one of the following would
you say has the greatest impact on any employee’s level of
job satisfaction?”
# 1 answer: Relationship with
his or her manager
Personnel Management Skills
Adapt your style to each person
on your team
Determine which management techniques
work best
Personnel Management Skills
Provide support
– Encourage staff to speak up when they need assistance
– Stand up for your team
Personnel Management Skills
Show appreciation for exceptional work
– Create a formal recognition program
• Develop criteria
• Customize rewards
• Make everyone on the team eligible
– Promote from within
Position Yourself as a Leader
Volunteer for new assignments
Pursue additional education
Seek candid feedback
Find a mentor
Become a leader outside the firm
Volunteer for New Assignments
Seek opportunities to enhance skills
Stand out from others who are not proactive
Pursue Additional Education
Benefits of training
– Those already in leadership roles:
• Keep up with developments in the business world
– Those hoping to become leaders:
• Develop your skills
• Demonstrate an interest in professional growth
Seek Candid Feedback
Write down your strengths and weaknesses
Ask others to do the same
Compare
Find a Mentor
Contact a manager you admire
Understand what you hope to gain from the
relationship
Become a Leader Outside the Firm
Volunteer with nonprofits
– Build experience
– Gain a fresh perspective and new ideas for
accomplishing tasks
© 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All rights reserved.
Developing
Your Leadership Skills
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