In 2014, Deloitte, a reputable auditing company, surveyed 2500 HR and business executives across 90 countries to discover what skills were most in demand in the workplace. 86% of the respondents felt the no.1 skill that was needed was leadership.
As a business professional who wants to move forward in your career, this should matter to you. It shows that companies are not only looking for people with technical expertise, but workers who display leadership skills. That is completely understandable because good leaders help companies grow.
But if you’re still in doubt, here’s how developing your leadership skills helps your career.
Learning Leadership makes you a better communicator
One key aspect of leadership is communication. As a leader, you’re most likely going to be in charge of a team so you need to be able to speak, listen and understand people’s points of view to effectively get your views across. These communication skills are quite handy when you go for interviews, business pitches and even negotiate for a better salary.
Leadership helps you develop problem solving skills
If you’re not particularly good at solving problems, becoming a leader helps you develop that skill. From dealing with company challenges to handling team morale, you’ll face numerous challenges that you have to overcome. The more you’re able to navigate and tackle each challenge, the more you’ll develop your problem solving skills and be attractive to employers.
Leadership builds your confidence
The experience of leading a group can be intimidating especially if you’re not used to being in charge. People may challenge your ideas or you may even doubt yourself. Yet, it’s in that situation that you need to believe in your ideas and your competence in order to effectively lead people. If you’re able to rise up to the challenge and take charge, your confidence will grow and give you the self belief to take on new and exciting opportunities.
Leadership gives you recognition
As you step up to take more responsibility, people will take notice of your achievements. Your name will spread as people will come to respect you. Having a reputation as a good leader will take you further in your career than you could ever imagine.
One great way to develop your leadership skill is to earn an MBA. Apart from giving you the opportunity to study a subject that interests you, an MBA teaches you critical leadership skills that help you develop your career.
But there’s so much more that an MBA can offer you. We have a brief guide called 3 Reasons why an MBA will upgrade your career. If you’re interested in learning how an MBA can help you advance in your career, then click below to learn more.
