By Colton Eva
Business leaders often take on the task of encouraging employees to achieve a business’s goals and objectives. They are responsible for conceiving ideas, initiating projects, structuring the business, reviewing the financial standing of the company and running regular competitive analyses.
Most business executives and leaders have bachelor’s or master’s degrees from accredited universities in business or related fields. However, they need to possess some essential leadership skills to help them perform better in their role, along with relevant experience.
Essential skills required for business leaders
As a business leader, you need high-level management skills to make informed decisions and understand interconnected processes in organizations. The market today is very dynamic, and these skills help them successfully navigate the industry.
Vision
Leaders are like artists, and the vision they have for a company is what inspires them. They work to galvanize others to help them achieve this vision. As a visionary leader, you need to be futuristic and think ahead of your time. You must be able to make market predictions and policies that will help the business navigate around this dynamic environment. Every leader must be passionate enough to make their vision a reality.
Strategic thinking
Being a leader is about making the right strategic decisions. In the most basic sense, strategy is the mother of resource management. According to Fred Nickols, “The concept of strategy has been adopted from the military and adapted for use in business. …In business, as in the military, strategy bridges the gap between policy and tactics. Together, strategy and tactics bridge the gap between ends and means.”
Hence, leaders must make objective assessments of the current market to better inform their future predictions. With this insight, leaders can develop step-by-step plans and create a roadmap the business can follow into the future.
Conflict management and negotiation skills
For managers and leaders, resolving conflicts and negotiating with people is part of their day-to-day work. They spend much of their day networking, negotiating and exchanging ideas with people inside and outside the company. These skills help them maintain amicable dialogues and mutually beneficial results, enabling them to nurture positive relationships and create lasting bonds with people.
Team-building skills
Team-building and interpersonal skills help leaders build trust and have a shared understanding with employees. This motivates their teams and helps them reach the company’s goals faster.
Growth opportunities for business leaders
Career growth provides individuals with a greater sense of job satisfaction, boosting their self-confidence and improving their sense of well-being.
Here are some growth opportunities worth pursuing if you are interested in building experience as a leader in business.
Joining leadership development programs
These programs help you learn how to be an effective leader. Take as much information as you can from your sessions, and be prepared to offer your services if they seek volunteers. This is a great opportunity to not only learn but grow in your leadership skills. You can also add the programs to your resume to show your employer you are prepared to take on more leadership roles.
Mentorship
If you have the opportunity to take on a leadership mentorship program from someone above you or a role model of yours, take advantage of it. You can learn so much from a mentor, especially if they have many years of experience in your industry. They will be in a position to give you the advice and support you need to reach the next level in your career. Make an effort to create a mutually beneficial relationship with your mentor as this connection can lead to additional career opportunities.
Advanced education
The business environment is very dynamic, so you need to keep advancing your skills and strengthening your ability to solve complex business problems. If you already have a master’s degree, you can get into a doctorate program such as Aston University’s Online DBA online program, which is customized for future executives.
If you don’t want to go for an entire degree, there are many courses that can help you develop new skills. Look for those that qualify you for a certification once you’re finished. Most of these courses can be completed online and allow for a flexible schedule.
Asking for feedback
Asking for feedback from your team, other executives and your boss is a good way to grow. Have an open mind and listen to constructive criticism. This helps you identify the areas you need to improve and those in which you excel. It also helps you identify the courses you need to take to grow in your profession. Getting positive feedback is important because it increases your confidence and helps you set new goals for yourself.
More responsibilities
If you feel like you have reached the ceiling in your current position and are ready to take the next step, ask for additional responsibilities. Look for a new challenge or responsibilities that will help you grow your profession to the next level. Consider something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Networking events
Meetups, mixers, conferences, and other networking events are an excellent way to grow and meet other executives and leaders in your industry. Join local and international professional leadership organizations and attend any events they hold. Talk about your professional background, ask questions, and lend an ear to others as well. If you create mutually beneficial relationships, you might end up getting an exciting leadership opportunity.
Work promotions
When you’re ready to take the next step in the organization, inquire about internal job opening and potential promotions. If you’re already performing well in your job, you may have a competitive advantage. You never know; it might be your chance to move from Senior Finance Manager to Chief Financial Officer.
