10 Steps to Help you Become a Successful Leader

Have you ever wondered how you can become a successful leader? There are many attributes that make a great leader, but it can be easy to become focused on one aspect and forget the rest. Read on to discover the ten key steps you can take to develop leadership skills.

1. Always Be Honest

Practice what you preach to become a successful leader in your personal life and workplace. Your team will be a reflection of the values you uphold, so it is important to be honest and genuine in your role. Many leaders develop a list of core beliefs and values that they strive to deliver with their team.

2. Delegate and Prioritise Tasks

When you complete leadership qualifications such as a Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB51915), there is a strong focus on task management to develop leadership skills. The best way to complete all of your tasks is to prioritise them by importance and delegate if you are working within a team. Identify the strengths of each team member to ensure that they work on tasks they can enjoy. This will increase the quality of the work delivered and the productivity of your colleagues.

3. Communicate Constantly

Communication skills are essential if you want to become a successful leader. You will have a clear view of what you are trying to achieve but your team will not be able to share in this common goal if you do not communicate it effectively. Ensure that you speak with your team frequently and consider using different types of communication forums, such as an online messaging platform, email or face-to-face meetings.

4. Have Confidence in Yourself

Many leaders find moments where they doubt their ability, it is important to maintain confidence in your leadership skills despite this. Your team members will look toward you for assurance and direction. In order to become a successful leader, you will need to learn to stay calm in high-pressure situations and not lose sight of your goals.

5. Commit Yourself

To develop leadership skills effectively, you should research education pathways. TAFE courses can help you to gain a better understanding of what it takes to become a successful leader. You should demonstrate the same level of commitment to new ways of thinking that you expect from your team members. Remember, a leader who facilitates learning alongside their team members is much more effective than one who works over them.

6. Lead With Positivity

A positive attitude will go a long way to keeping your team motivated. It is important to transform your frustration into a positive and proactive approach. This ‘can do’ attitude will prevent your team from becoming too overwhelmed or burning out.

7. Think Creatively

As a leader, you may be approached with challenges or unfamiliar situations. Try not to let your past experience dictate your decision. Many individuals prefer to play it safe and stay on their set course, but creative thinking is key to becoming a successful leader. TAFE courses and real industry experience will help to encourage thinking outside of the box.

8. Follow Your Intuition

As a leader, you should be able to trust your judgement. While you will still need to seek advice from mentors and colleagues, ultimately each decision will fall squarely on you. It is important to follow your gut instinct and trust that you can make the right decision or handle the consequences. Draw on your skills and that of those around you if you are uncertain. Further training, such as a the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB61015) will enhance your confidence and broaden your abilities.

9. Aim to Inspire

To become a successful leader, you will need to unite a group of individuals through a shared vision. Focus on working to the highest standard and push the boundaries of what is achievable to show your team that you are invested in their goals. Celebrate all accomplishments and keep morale high within your team. This will encourage your peers to appreciate the collective hard work.

10. Tailor Your Approach

When working with different people, remember that one approach to leadership will not work for everyone. Develop leadership skills that are dynamic and can respond to individual needs. Some team members may prefer to collaborate often, while others work better with a set list of tasks. Take the time to build your understanding of each person’s preference so that you can meet their needs.