How to Enhance Leadership Skill in Development Activities

Leadership skills can be cultivated in many ways. Even if you do not currently have a job that requires leadership skills, you can develop those skills by identifying opportunities that will advance your career both inside and outside your company. If you work for a company with a flat organizational structure, i.e., few management positions, you might even find a way to forge a career path where none exists. Leadership skills make you indispensable to an organization even outside of sanctioned organizational chart roles.

Instructions

1. Review your company's list of management competencies, if available. The skills may include, for example: facilitate groups (managing others, conducting meetings), interpersonal skills (communicating effectively, relating to others, empathy), intrapersonal skills (managing stress, self-control), technical knowledge, influence others (motivating, inspiring, lead by example, visionary), decision-making (analytical skills, strategic) and relationship building (collaborating, conflict resolution).

2. Look for opportunities that allow you to influence others, advance your career, and connect with career-minded people. These are readily available both inside and outside your company. Inside the company, you might lead a task force or chair the United Way campaign. Many companies work hard to encourage interdepartmental communications and collaboration. For example, volunteer to launch a team that tackles issues between your work group and another. Or, seize the opportunity to cross-train on another position. There are leadership opportunities outside the company as well. Join an influential industry group or committee. Identify speaker opportunities. Write for a trade publication. Take a skill-building class. You can even do community-based volunteer work.

3. Draft a leadership development plan with measurable goals. For example, you may want to hone your communication skills by joining a Toastmasters group. Make a goal to attend bi-weekly meetings and deliver a speech by the end of month two. Commit your goals to writing and track progress as you go.

4. Meet with your manager to discuss your plan and get additional input. This helps ensure that you are targeting skills that are important to your career and lets your manager know that you are proactive and want to advance.

5. Widen your circle of advocacy. In addition to your manager, find mentors who exemplify the skills you are trying to develop. Schedule a 30 minute meeting with each. Share your leadership development plan. Your mentor may have additional input.

6. Hold yourself accountable by following up with your manager. If you do not have regularly scheduled reviews, request a meeting. Go over your plan with her and discuss progress. Ask to have a copy of the plan included in your personnel file. Also, keep your mentors apprised on your progress.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to start small with low impact activities to build a track record.

• Gracefully disengage ineffective mentors and look for someone who is responsive and interested in your career advancement.

References

• Workforce Management: 31 Core Competencies Explained
• White Stag Leadership Development: The Eleven Skills of Leadership
• Top 7 Business: Top 7 Leadership Skills for Business Success