Four qualities of great leaders

It’s common knowledge that becoming a great leader calls for a complex suite of skills. Although we recognise that talented bosses are equipped to rise to challenges and make tough decisions, we often forget that the ability to communicate, delegate, remain positive and stay creative are equally intrinsic to finding a leadership formula that works.
 
Whether you dream of heading up an accounting firm or working as a tax consultant, there are ways to hone your leadership credentials now. Here are four qualities of great leaders along with fail-safe tips for acquiring them.

Communication skills

The ability to articulate ideas and give clear direction to colleagues can separate a mediocre leader from a boss who excels. Failure to communicate effectively can lead to conflict and poor execution – factors that can impact bottom lines. From taking a professional writing course to volunteering to speak at an industry panel, there are plenty of ways to cultivate your powers of expression and make sure people understand what you’re trying to say.

The ability to delegate

Great leaders know that when it comes to freeing up the time and energy to focus on strategy, the ability to delegate is key. Overbearing managers run the risk of damaging relationships with staff members and impacting employee trust. You can master the art of delegation by looking at your workload and identifying the tasks you could outsource. The most effective delegators understand the responsibilities that are worth their efforts and those that should be passed on to someone else. They also trust their team to deliver great work without being micromanaged.

A positive attitude

The best leaders believe that you can turn around a missed opportunity and that failure is simply success in this disguise. This positive perspective is essential to becoming the kind of visionary leader staff members look up to and emulate. Whether it’s working with a charity or volunteering at a not-for-profit on weekends, offering your skills to those who need them can help you become more influential.

A creative approach

Fields such as tax and accounting might not be traditionally classified as creative, but creativity is still a powerful leadership asset that can help a company grow. Being a leader often means thinking outside traditional boundaries and drawing on the power of imagination to tackle complex briefs. Whether it’s taking a painting class or learning how to capture better photos, there’s no shortage of ways to catch the creative bug. Harnessing your creativity can supercharge your leadership skills down the track. Encouraging your team to think creatively and brainstorm together can help foster creativity in the workplace.

From communication skills to the ability to delegate, the right mix of attributes can see a leader succeed.

What are you doing today to hone your future leadership skills?