3 LEADERSHIP SKILLS PEOPLE OVERLOOK

Leadership is a much-debated concept that continues to evolve as we learn more about the dynamics of teams, organizations, and society. There are countless books, talks, and courses dedicated to understanding and developing leadership skills. However, despite the vast amount of resources available, there are some leadership skills that often get overlooked. In this blog post, we will discuss three of these underrated leadership skills: Listening, Lowering, and Leaving.

Listening: The Silent Force of Leadership

The first underrated leadership skill we'll discuss is listening. It may sound simple, but effective listening is a skill that many leaders lack. When we talk about listening in a leadership context, we are not merely referring to the act of hearing what someone else is saying. True listening involves understanding, empathy, and responsiveness. It's about being present in the conversation, showing genuine interest in other people's thoughts and feelings, and making them feel valued and respected.

As a leader, your role is not just to instruct or guide your team, but also to listen to them. As the saying goes, "Leaders who don't listen will be surrounded by people with nothing to say." When you fail to listen, you miss out on valuable insights, ideas, and feedback from your team. You also risk creating an environment where people feel unheard and undervalued. Therefore, if you want to be a great leader, start by improving your listening skills.

Lowering: The Humility in Leadership

The second overlooked leadership skill is lowering, which refers to the act of humbling oneself and serving others. This might seem counterintuitive to some, as leadership is often associated with power, authority, and high status. However, true leadership is about serving others, not ruling over them. As stated, "He who would be the greatest among you must become the servant of all."

When you lower yourself as a leader, you show your team that you are not above them, but rather, you are one of them. You show them that you are willing to do what it takes to support them and help them succeed. This approach to leadership fosters trust, respect, and loyalty among your team members. It also encourages a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support, where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Leaving: The Art of Delegation in Leadership

The third underrated leadership skill is leaving, or the ability to delegate tasks effectively. Again, this might seem at odds with the traditional image of a leader as someone who is always in control and calling the shots. However, effective delegation is a crucial part of leadership. As the saying goes, "Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."

When you delegate tasks, you show your team that you trust them and believe in their abilities. This not only boosts their confidence and motivation but also frees up your time to focus on strategic tasks that require your attention. Furthermore, delegation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among your team members, which in turn leads to increased productivity and performance. Therefore, if you want to be a successful leader, you must learn to delegate effectively.

In conclusion, if you want to enhance your leadership skills, don't overlook the importance of listening, lowering, and leaving. These skills may not be as flashy or glamorous as other leadership skills, but they are just as crucial, if not more so. So, start practicing these skills today and see the positive difference they can make in your leadership style. The World Awaits! Go Be Great!

About the Author

Hey there! I’m LoSco, a transformational coach helping leaders live and lead “on purpose.” Let us help you increase your influence and transform your life! Enjoyed this post? Want more tips for leaders? Sign up for my newsletter!