Being a great leader requires a curated blend of natural personality traits, lived experiences, and dedication to developing skills to succeed. Every leader has to start somewhere, so if being a boss is in your career plans, work to build the critical skills you’ll need to lead a team with varying experience, talents, and career goals.
From essentials like executive presence and communication to soft skills and underrated skills, there’s no shortage of self-improvements to choose from. But how do you grow in the ways you’d like to in order to be a great leader?
Start leading before you get the title
It’s like dressing for the job you want, not the job you have. Demonstrating an eagerness to learn from experienced leaders, motivate others, and go beyond your typical duties shows commitment to bettering the team.
Pursue mentorship—as a mentor and mentee
Mentoring is a great avenue to practice leadership by sharing your expertise, offering advice, and supporting a fellow professional striving to grow. Maintaining a relationship with your own mentor at the same time ensures you have the support you need as you support your mentee.
Address your weaknesses
Honestly evaluate your weaknesses and how they may hold you back from being an influential leader. Ask for feedback from peers about what you do well and areas where you can improve. Whether or not you agree with their input, take all feedback into account and examine what you can learn from it.
Invest in training
Prepare ahead for common challenges leaders face like managing conflict, difficult conversations, accountability, and decision-making. Enroll in leadership courses, pursue a microcredential, or attend topic-specific training or webinars.
Share your goals with your boss
To be a good boss for others, you must be able to advocate for them and yourself. There is widespread disinterest for job seekers to move up the ranks. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey, 57% of U.S. and 63% of Canadian job seekers aren’t interested in climbing the corporate ladder. So, if you’re in the minority, make sure your boss knows to increase your chances for advancement.
Leveling up your leadership skills opens the door for career advancement and personal growth. It’s a worthwhile investment for aspiring leaders striving to advance.
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The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment International, parent company of Specialized Recruiting Group, June 13–26, 2023, among 1,010 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Insights survey was conducted within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment International, parent company of Specialized Recruiting Group, June 8–22, 2023, among 507 Canadian hiring decision-makers. For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.
