Most young leaders I meet in my leadership workshops come with their eyes wide open and a strong desire to propel their careers forward. Although they are often hired for their technical skills and educational background, they are eager to figure out how to maneuver throughout their team and organization. Contrary to conventional wisdom, leadership skills aren’t usually attained through just surviving on a team, but rather learned and practiced with intention. So if you are an emerging leader and are ready to make your mark, then stay open-minded to learning some critical leadership strategies. It may be worth your investment of time.

Six leadership skills for every emerging leader:

1. Begin By Identifying Your Leadership Vision

If someone asked you what kind of leader you want to be, could you answer that question? You may be in the early stages of your career but I bet you know what type of leaders you have met along the way who have made an impact on your career. What specific characteristics or behaviors did those strong leaders possess? Were they approachable? Were they strategic listeners? Did they focus on your best interests? Could they excite and energize others? Were they extremely competent? Start to form your own unique leadership vision based on the good and the not so good you have experienced.

2. Understand Your Natural Style Of Connecting

Being self-aware of how you typically behave and interact with others is key to becoming an influential leader. Some ways to think about your preferred style is answering these kinds of questions:

• Am I more introverted or extroverted?
• Do I move in a quick or more moderate pace?
• Is it more comfortable for me to schmooze with someone before working with them or do I like to get right to the issue at hand?
• Do I tend to have a louder or softer voice?

Once you answer these decide if the person you are interacting with has the same preferences as you. If not, you may want to adjust your style.

3. Build A Relationship Network

Developing a solid network of people at all levels early on in our career is a high priority. The best way to begin to do that is by reaching out and following through on whatever you commit to. Be a good listener and ask people about their careers and challenges. Get to know them in a more meaningful way. The network you create will stay with you throughout your entire professional life if you work hard to stay in touch and always treat them with respect and kindness.

4. Clarify Your Communication

Often emerging leaders share that an important quality they have seen in impactful leaders is the ability to be clear communicators. Being able to share an idea or suggestion so that others will take them seriously is an essential leadership skill. What are some tips in being a strong communicator?

• Think ahead of time what you want to present so the idea is shared in a coherent way.
• Be specific and descriptive in your word choice.
• Use supportive body language and facial expressions that bring your message to life.
• Stay focused and on point.

5. Step Forward For Opportunities

When emerging leaders are asked to take on a project even if it is a stretch assignment, make sure to raise your hand. All opportunities are a way to grow a leader’s knowledge base and add to your experiences. Don’t hesitate. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the necessary abilities at first. You will learn.

6. Offer To Help Every Chance You Get

Think about the leaders who have helped you with challenges and made introductions for you. When emerging leaders are willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in others notice. Some ways to offer help:

• Stay late to meet a client deadline.
• Offer your technology skills to quicken a process.
• Ask a colleague if they need help with a difficult issue.
• Be the leader who your boss can turn to when they need an extra set of hands and eyes.

What additional leadership skills have helped you grow into the best leader you can be?

 If you would like help with introducing leadership skills to the emerging leaders on your team or in you organization, please let me know.

(Image Credit: Pixabay)