What is Leadership?
Leadership is all about leading by example. We can describe it as our ability to organise and motivate others to work towards achieving a shared goal. Individuals with high Leadership skills develop the ability to provide guidance, maintain a positive attitude, overcome obstacles and motivate others.
Contrary to popular belief, anyone can be a leader. Leadership is not something we are born with or without. Nonetheless, Leadership takes time to master and requires consistent practice and self-awareness. At times it can be difficult to stay determined, and to continue to motivate and inspire others alongside ourselves.
This module will guide you through four skill sets that have been shown to differentiate those who see themselves as leaders from those who do not. It provides practical tools to help you improve each of these particular skills.
Can you even be a leader?
When you think of a leader, what do you think of? Do you consider anyone in your local community or personal circle? Or do you think of great, powerful individuals that have led countries, changed millions of lives and are now admired in the history books? Do you consider yourself to be someone who can lead?
It is a common misunderstanding that people are either born with or without leadership qualities. Leadership is not only for CEOs, managers or team leads, but a powerful skill set that anyone can develop over time. In fact, you have probably shown effective leadership skills yourself without even realising it. Think of a time where you stood up for something you believe in, where you listened and supported someone in need or where you introduced people that are now close friends. These are all examples of good leadership.
So, the question is not whether you can be a good leader, it is whether you are ready to work on improving your leadership skills.
Leading in life
Leadership is, without a doubt, important in the workplace, but did you know it is equally as important in other areas of life?
Leadership skills allow you to create and maintain positive, lasting change in your own life and in the lives of the people around you. They can boost your self-confidence, allow you to form positive relationships and support you to stay on track. Self-identified leaders have been found to experience more positive mental health than those who do not see themselves as leaders.
Friendship
Being clear and confident about your own moral code means that you can inspire those around you to do the same. Instead of criticising your friends, you can bring about change through acceptance. Positivity and motivation are contagious.
Social life
You can be a living example of confidence and care for others. You can take a stand for others, help those that are less fortunate or find a solution to a problem that affects many. Taking action where others do not is leadership.
Personal goals
Working on your self-awareness means that you will become more conscious of your personal development, growth and goals in life. You could achieve things that you did not think were possible before.
Parenting
Raising a child involves taking responsibility, organising life around them, as well as guiding, leading and inspiring them. Developing leadership skills allows parents to teach and model these skills.
How can you become a better leader?
Leadership is not a single skill but involves a whole skillset.
Below is a list of important Leadership skills, each providing you with an explanation along with helpful tools that can be used to improve that particular skill.
Tools to improve your Leadership skills: communication & clear vision
Tools to improve your Leadership skills: feedback and self-awareness
