Not all of us are born leaders, however there are key skills which can be learnt and developed in order to inspire others.
Naomi Simpson founder of Red Balloon (leading Australian online gift retailer) comments in this article that there is no perfect when it comes to leadership, although common traits, regardless of style include having a clear sense of purpose, live by values and keep others aligned.
She also highlights three key behaviours, which can be learnt and developed, regardless of your style:
1) Leading by example
To develop trust and respect you have to lead from the front and by the values of the company. You have to practice what you preach, whilst provide guidance on how to operate with those values.
2) Having patience
Not all of us learn at the same pace and demonstrating patience can help lead others forward, while focusing on the outcome.
3) Empowerment of others
Increasing the capacity of those around you to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.
After reading Naomi's blog I started thinking about the people who I have worked with and the skills they demonstrate. I realised that the strong leaders that I hold in high regard also possess creativity, passion, resilience.
What leaders have you worked with? What skills have been key to their success as a leader?