A contributor from the Association for Consulting Expertise advises a reader to never, ever stop honing leadership skills.
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Q: Why do I need to work on my leadership skills?
ACE Advises: This question often comes up with my clients in the discussion phase and I give a very simple answer. Leadership skills and behaviors need to be fine-tuned continuously at all levels of the organization. Poor leadership can impact your customers and your bottom line.
Leadership skills such as active listening, effective feedback, team building and communication can go a long way in creating a team that is engaged in their jobs. A self-aware leader who is good at these skills always has their finger on the pulse of the team. Leaders who demonstrate strong skills will increase employee engagement and create a happy work environment.
Leaders whose behaviors such as trust building, problem solving, results orientation and long-term thinking will generate a work environment for a team that feels included and has purpose. Leaders who create a positive work environment will spur open communication and creativity, and will give employees a sense of value.
A Gallup study in 2018 showed that only 30% of employees in the United States are engaged in their work, and their level of engagement is directly related to their managers.
Often, it is the front-line employees who deal directly with your customers who are the least engaged. Many organizations design leadership training for the top echelon of management and mistakenly overlook the people who are managing the lower level.
Tom Renehan is a consultant in leadership development and coaching. He can be reached at tom@tomrenehan.com
