Managerial skills for successful leadership

Excellent leadership is always pro-active rather than reactive. Developing these managerial skills builds a solid foundation for success.

1. Observation.

Observation and regular visits to the work environment are a priority and should be scheduled into the calendar. Observing employees at work, the procedures, interaction and work flow is foundational to implementing adjustments to improve results.

2. Monitor Employee Performance.

Employee performance needs to be monitored in mutually accepted ways. Policies and procedures need to be clear. Conferencing should be on regular basis. Assessments and evaluations should be undertaken with the expectation of professional development and support.

3. Implementation of Development Programmes.

A good leader evaluates weaknesses and provides training and development strategies to strengthen the weaker skills in the team.

4. Demonstrates Working Knowledge and Expertise.

Good leaderships comes from a place of strong knowledge and experience of the production and process, leading to results. If a leader does not possess all the expertise, then he should have regular consultations with experts.

5. Good Decision Making.

Good leadership is characterized by the ability to make good decisions. Clear firm decisions, combined with the willingness and flexibility to adapt and adjust decisions when necessary, create confidence in the leadership.

Also read the article the six C's of leadership.

Taken from: News Straits Times - 3 September 2012 (article), Google (images).