A ‘learning leader’
An effective leadership style can be developed by observing multiple capable leaders. By doing so, one can master continuous learning and the ability to deal with ambiguity beyond just hard skills. It is crucial to create a leadership style that can adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing world.
As a leader, it is essential to follow the mantra of learning from everywhere, anywhere, and everyone. This approach helps in creating open and thought-provoking discussions with the team and peers.
Additionally, it assists the leader and the team in developing defensible solutions through discourse and debates. Patient listening and careful problem deconstruction are critical skills that equip the team to work and learn effectively.
Three key steps to building leadership skills
• Observation: Constantly reflect on your actions and those of individuals around you to see how they impact the team’s performance. Doing so guides one to improve as an individual and as a leader.
• Self-reflection: When you make a decision that impacts others, ask yourself if you are doing the right thing. Seeking clarity from within will help you communicate your ideas better to the team.
• Constructive exchange of ideas: Consider yourself a coach rather than a manager and constantly engage your team in discussions where they can openly exchange ideas and thoughts. It includes learning and telling each other how we can all improve. It builds trust and confidence within the team.
The power of valuing connections
Additionally, it is important to recognize the unique strengths and perspectives that each team member brings to the table. By valuing diversity and inclusivity, leaders can leverage the various skill sets and backgrounds of their team members to achieve optimal results.
In summary, effective leadership involves continuous learning, adapting to change, fostering individual connections, and valuing diversity and inclusivity. By prioritizing these principles, leaders can create a collaborative and supportive environment that drives their team towards a shared vision and common goal.
Are you stretching enough?
Additionally, aspiring leaders should also develop a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges, persisting through obstacles, and seeing failures as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages taking calculated risks, which are essential traits of successful leaders.
Another important aspect for aspiring leaders is to develop a strong personal brand. A personal brand is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and qualities that make an individual stand out and create value. It is important to identify and showcase one’s strengths, values, and achievements to build a positive reputation and gain the trust and respect of others.
Finally, aspiring leaders must be proactive in seeking out and creating opportunities for leadership development. This can involve attending leadership training programs, seeking mentorship and coaching, and actively seeking out leadership roles and responsibilities within their current organization or through volunteering and community involvement.
By investing in their own growth and development, aspiring leaders can build the skills and competencies needed to lead and succeed in their chosen fields.
A better way to learn and engage?
We can thrive as leaders when we practice reflection through learning and listening and, engage in creating a lasting impact for businesses, people, and communities. At Accenture, the Vaahini platform showcases how leaders from various backgrounds are sharpening these skills and delivering outcomes.
At Accenture, the Vaahini platform showcases how leaders from various backgrounds are sharpening these skills and delivering outcomes.
Soumala Sarkar, the Chief Strategy Officer for Technology at Accenture, shares her leadership journey and the principles that have helped her develop her leadership style in a constantly changing and geographically diverse industry. She believes effective management and leadership require building enduring relationships, a learning mindset, and self-reflection. As a leader, Soumala emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and dealing with ambiguity, as well as valuing connections with team members and fostering individual connections with each team member.
