Leadership skills and how to build them

We recently had a session at UEA London about leadership.  The speaker made the important point that leading is helping people achieve a shared vision, not telling people what to do!  A leader must demonstrate a vision and values worth following.....                                                                                

leading is helping people achieve a shared vision, not telling people what to do. - See more at: http://www.mikecoady.com/how-to-bring-the-best-out-in-your-team-by-leadership/#sthash.BOPQ5AoU.dpuf

leading is helping people achieve a shared vision, not telling people what to do. - See more at: http://www.mikecoady.com/how-to-bring-the-best-out-in-your-team-by-leadership/#sthash.BOPQ5AoU.dpuf

leading is helping people achieve a shared vision, not telling people what to do. - See more at: http://www.mikecoady.com/how-to-bring-the-best-out-in-your-team-by-leadership/#sthash.BOPQ5AoU.dpuf

What makes a good leader?

• Strong vision, clearly communicated
• Big ears and a small mouth
• Listen first and advise afterwards
• Get to know the people and personalities that you are going to lead.
• Listen to others and be ready to learn from the different kinds of experiences
• Get input from the people you are leading
• Delegate responsibility and push for progress
• Empower people around you
• Have confidence in yourself and the decisions you make

Do you have leadership skills?

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you successfully led a team to achieve a goal?
2. Have you inspired someone to make a change or take action?
3. Have you dealt with conflict and witnessed a positive outcome?
4. Have you experienced failure and bounced back?
5. Have you overseen or initiated a major change?

As leadership skills are one of the main attributes that many employers look for, here are a few suggestions as to how you can build on them:

• Join a University club or society and try to move into the management when an opportunity comes up.
• Start your own society!
• Do some volunteering and see if you can move into a more responsible postion - e.g. Scout leader
• Take the lead in group work projects as part of your course work at University
• Become a class representative

If  you are interested in this topic why not check out the Leadership & Management pages of Linked IN for some great articles and advice?
http://www.linkedin.com/channels/leadership_and_management