Leadership skills development: Lessons from the stage
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural West Yorkshire Conference, ran by We Are Wakefield. I was part of an expert panel being interviewed on ‘Developing leadership skills’.
We shared our journeys and respective insights on what it really means to lead. Here’s a summary of what insight and wisdom we shared.
Leadership isn’t just about titles or roles, it starts with leading yourself, then your team, and ultimately your business. The age-old question came up: Is leadership in your DNA, or is it shaped by experience? For me, it’s lived experience that forges the strongest leaders.
The core leadership skills
True leadership rests on a foundation of humility, listening, responsiveness, and clear communication. These aren’t just soft skills, they’re power skills. They enable trust, develop collaboration, and drive results. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being open enough to hear them from others.
When leadership is tested
Leadership is easiest when things are going well. It’s tested when they’re not. We’d faced tough moments: managing toxic team dynamics, guiding people through the uncertainty of Covid, and dealing with sky-high expectations after a big promotion. Those were the moments that shaped us the most.
How to develop as a leader
The journey of leadership requires failing, learning, and repeating constantly. You must be coachable and open to feedback you don’t like hearing. Surround yourself with smart, talented people who challenge you. That’s not a threat to your authority, it’s the sign of a confident leader.
Learning leadership
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill. Learn by reading widely, seeking out suitable mentors, and attending courses and events that stretch your thinking.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s intentional and daily.
Habits of effective leaders
The best leaders ask smart questions, leave their egos at the door, and show patience when it’s needed most. But they’re also decisive – able to make tough calls with clarity when needed.
Skills to focus on
Your job as a leader is to support your team to deliver, not the team supporting you to deliver. Build leaders that build leaders, not followers. Make yourself disposable – because if the team can thrive without you, you’ve done your job.
My advice to all leaders
Empower your team – most people want the chance to step up if given the opportunity. Support them to deliver results, lead by example, and most importantly: don’t be a dick. Leadership is service. Do it well.
Every business owner and every departmental head are leaders that have to lead. You have to lead yourself, your team and your business/ business unit. Doing so requires a blend of communication skills, constant learning, humility and decisiveness.
As they say, ‘every day is a school day’ – it’s not always a bed of roses but you have to enjoy the journey.
If you are looking for a sounding board to help you challenge the status quo, hold you to account, or need help developing a plan to navigate your next steps proactively, it’s time to chat.
