A leader influences the work and behaviour of many employees. Therefore, a leader has an important role to play in enhancing the quality, productivity and the work environment of an organisation. To lead a team towards growth, a leader needs to possess certain skills, including skills in delegation, influence and persuasion, communication, and emotional intelligence. To understand and influence people, it is essential for a leader to build upon emotional intelligence.
Motivation
Emotions are a major reason why we act. For example, when we feel that it is our responsibility to complete a project, we feel bound to do our best. On the other hand, if we believe our role is insignificant in a project, we will procrastinate and will not give our 100%. That is where the role of a leader comes in. A leader must show employees that the company believes in them to give results. Employees must be guided and supported, but at the same time, they must be taught to motivate themselves. Motivation makes a person willing to give their best, to provide more than they otherwise would. It helps to achieve both personal and professional growth.
Awareness and Knowledge
People can either become self-aware or can be made aware of the qualities within them. A leader must objectively, without biases, determine both the strengths and the weaknesses of others to make them aware of what they have and what they can achieve. Once employees have this knowledge, they are already better equipped to handle difficult situations, and improve their work and behaviour.
Communication Abilities
To be able to express thoughts, feelings and motives successfully is an art. A leader needs to use various methods of communication to manage employees. Effective communication involves when, how, what, why and where to communicate. It is essential for the success of communication that the leader understand the personality and priorities of the employee being communicated with. Sensitivity breeds empathy, which is necessary to build powerful teams. A leader with communication skills influences, motivates, persuades and allows employees with the ultimate purpose of growth with fulfilment.
Active Listening
Along with initiating communication, a leader must also listen actively. Active listening involves focusing on the said and the unsaid, the feelings of the speaker, and making appropriate responses. This essential skill allows leaders to understand the actions and attitude of others so that they may lead the person towards resolving their problems, and bettering their work and life.