Leadership in Action: 10 Proven Strategies from Experts

Do you want to be a great leader in your organization? Do you generally think that some leaders are more charismatic than others?

The answers to these questions are both simple and perplexing. However, exceptional leadership skills are what distinguishes great leaders from the rest. Some are naturally born leaders, ready to take on challenges, while others develop these skills with experience and time. Whatever position you are in in your organization, it is important to learn how to demonstrate leadership in the organization. And in this article, we will share some expert tips that will guide you down the path of great leadership.

What are Leadership Skills?

Leadership skills are a set of abilities, traits, and behaviors that enable an individual to effectively lead and manage a team or organization towards achieving a common goal. Effective leaders use these skills to inspire and motivate their team, build trust, facilitate collaboration, and create a positive and productive work environment. Leadership skills are essential for success in any industry or profession, as they enable individuals to drive change, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals.

Also Read: 5 Offbeat Leadership Qualities Leaders Should Possess

How to Demonstrate Leadership in the Workplace? 

Use the following list of strategies created by performance management experts at Engagedly to build up and showcase your leadership skills at the workplace:

1. Take Initiative

Leaders who take initiative are self-starters who are not afraid to take calculated risks, explore new ideas, and think outside the box. They are proactive in identifying problems and opportunities, and they take action to address them. To demonstrate your initiative, be willing to take on new projects, offer suggestions for improvement, and go the extra mile to get things done. Leaders who take initiative are often seen as proactive problem-solvers who are committed to achieving results.

2. Foster Curiosity

If you want to demonstrate leadership in workplace, ask questions whenever you get an opportunity to. Asking questions shows your dedication and enthusiasm for your work. Don’t hold back any questions about work; sometimes questions can lead to some magnificent ideas which contribute to organizational success.

3. Deliver High Performance

If you want your colleagues and managers to recognize your leadership skills, you have to deliver high performance. By high performance, we don’t mean just completing your goals; you should overperform! Doing extra work always helps you to stand out from the crowd. It makes your managers count on you more and depends on you for tasks that require you to put extra effort into them. We recommend reading this article on Leadership SMART Goals Examples.

4. Continuous Improvement

One of the most important leadership qualities is continuous learning. A good leader never stops learning. There is a lot to learn every day; learn from everyone around you. The world is filled with examples. Learn from your mistakes and from those of your colleagues. Be open to learning, there’s always a new skill to master! Look out for a mentor within the organization or outside who can help you become a better leader.

Also Read: Leadership In Times Of Crisis: How To Lead Efficiently

5. Embrace Creativity to Solve Problems

Approach problems and challenges with a mindset that is open to new and innovative solutions. Leaders who problem-solve with creativity are able to see beyond the surface-level symptoms of a problem and identify the root cause. They are skilled at analyzing data, generating new ideas, and implementing effective solutions.

To demonstrate your problem-solving skills, take a collaborative approach, bringing together different perspectives and expertise to solve complex problems. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your approach as needed. Leaders who can problem-solve with creativity are valued for their ability to drive innovation and deliver results in challenging situations.

6. Communicate Effectively

According to a survey published in recruiter.com, 33% of employees believe that lack of communication results in poor employee morale.

As a leader, you should understand the importance of communicating effectively with your colleagues and managers. Most mistakes at workplace happen because of lack of proper communication.

Build influence on your colleagues and teammates by listening to them when they are communicating. Make sure that you are heard and everyone properly understood the point you make.

7. Focus on Results

In today’s business environment it is essential for leaders to be results-driven. Showcase your leadership skills by setting clear goals and expectations, monitoring progress, and holding yourself and your team accountable for results. Celebrate successes and learn from failures, and be willing to make tough decisions when necessary to achieve your goals.

8. Networking

Network or connect with key leaders in the organization or outside to hone your leadership skills. If you are connecting with someone from within the organization, have informal meetings with them from time to time. Take assistance from them when you face any difficulties or come across any problems you can’t solve. Look for a mentor in the organization who can guide you whenever required.

Otherwise, you can also join professional associations and attend networking events or seminars to start networking with leaders in your industry. This will help you build great connections and improve your leadership skills.

9. Coach and Mentor 

Coaching and mentoring are important leadership skills that involve guiding and supporting team members in their personal and professional development. As a leader, take the time to understand your team members’ strengths and weaknesses, and provide feedback, advice, and encouragement. Encourage them to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and develop their talents. Be a role model for continuous learning and development, and show a genuine interest in your team members’ growth.

10. Embrace Change

Change is a constant in the workplace, and leaders who can embrace it and adapt quickly are highly valued. To demonstrate your leadership skills in this area, cultivate a growth mindset that sees change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Be open to new ideas and approaches, and encourage your team to do the same. Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and other factors that could impact your organization, and proactively suggest changes that could benefit the team or the company as a whole.

Conclusion

Leadership is about influencing and motivating others to achieve a common goal. Effective leadership in any workplace requires a combination of relevant skills, attitudes, and behaviors. By incorporating the strategies discussed in this article, you can inspire others, achieve results, and contribute to a positive workplace culture

Jacqueline Martinez

Jacqueline Martinez is the Director of Marketing at Engagedly and where she drives initiatives to fuel the marketing-to-sales pipeline through strategic content management, thoughtful mentoring, and revenue operations. She is a growth-focused marketing executive with extensive experience driving multi-million-dollar revenues across SaaS, technology, real estate, oil & gas, and financial services industries.