Written by: Hayley Hunter Hines, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Impactful leadership is one of the most important skills you need to succeed in the business world. Whether you are starting your own small business, running a non-profit organization, or establishing your multi-million enterprise, having excellent leadership skills will be critical to your success. In every step you take, you will always need a vision for your organization's future. You will also need others who will help you realize your vision successfully. To be an effective leader, you need to understand what motivates your team to go above and beyond to help bring your vision to life.
Being a leader is not always easy and being a highly impactful leader is even more challenging. While it's true that many leaders are natural in their craft, many also need help in developing leadership skills. As someone who has spent decades navigating the business world and helping other business leaders, I have come up with the 4 most essential skills you need to develop yourself and step into the next evolution of yourself and your leadership.
With these steps, you will discover the next-level leader in you!
1. Be excellent
In small things and in big things, always strive for excellence. It doesn't matter if anyone is watching. Being excellent takes practice, and it starts by taking small steps every single day, putting in the effort, and trying to do the very best in every situation. Being excellent does not mean you need to be perfect, no one is! Being excellent simply means that you are constantly seeking ways to improve yourself. Don Miguel Ruiz teaches in the Four Agreements to always do your best. When we are committed to doing our very best in every situation, we set an excellent example for our team. They will respond to the standards that you have set for yourself and others.
2. Set Goals
We all know the importance of setting goals for our business and our life. Setting goals can be a great way to make progress on your big visions and big dreams. This is the process of creating small steps and milestones and devising ways to get them done. Your goal doesn't always have to be big, and you can break up larger goals into smaller ones, but remember to set a deadline for your progress. By setting up a timeline on your goals, you can periodically go back to them and measure your performance and progress. Your goals will need to be aligned with your vision as a leader. Focus on your vision and set realistic goals. Also, remember to celebrate every small progress to maintain your motivation! Finally, and most importantly, you must be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress as well as your dreams.
3. Communicate well
Communication is such a massive part of everything we do. Effective communication can develop good working relationships inside your business, resulting in improved morale and higher efficiency, while poor communication can destroy it. A healthy working environment also translates to increased profits, and a leader needs to master how to communicate effectively. Great leaders know how to listen and inspire others toward positive change and listen for the feelings behind the words. When problems arise, leaders know how to appropriately respond to the situation. Influential leaders practice emotional intelligence and keep their head level while dealing with difficult circumstances. Improved communication skills are an essential part of being a great leader. Communicating well will inspire others and motivate them to help you.
4. Be passionate
When you infuse passion into your work, you will feel invigorated and excited to get things done. Many business leaders overlook this element, but I consider it one of the most critical factors in great leadership. In the book WHY, Simon Sinek shares his concept that people don't buy what we do, they buy why we do it. Why do you do the work you are doing? Does it light you up and bring you joy? When you are passionate about your goals, you will never get tired of working toward them. Your goals must be rooted in your purpose to keep the passion alive. Your passion is infectious and will motivate others to help you accomplish more.
Taking these 4 steps can enhance your leadership skills radically. How you accomplish each of these steps will depend on the time and effort you are willing to invest in developing your leadership skills. You can start by practicing the one step you think is your most significant challenge area. Then, internalize that step, practice that skill for a month, and see where that goes.
Taking the time to improve these skills shows that you are a leader who cares. A good leader wants their team to be the best and wants only the best for them. A good leader nurtures their team, and taking these 4 steps is a great way to do it.
When we take time to upgrade our leadership skills, we can unlock an unlimited source of potential in ourselves and those we work with. We can open many doors and bring in limitless opportunities for growth and income. We can inspire greatness in others and help them become the best they can be. What a beautiful and satisfying way to show up and serve in this way.
If you want to develop your leadership skills, you can always reach me if you need support along the journey.
Hayley Hunter Hines, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
"Hayley is the CEO of Soul Sparkle Living and the Creator of the Soul Centered CEO Collective. She is a business strategist and intuitive advisor to leaders called to create a Soul Centered business and life. She is the creator of Soul Sparkle SEVA, global service trips and experiences and is an expert in transformational travel.
Hayley spent over 20 years in the corporate wellness industry consulting over 500 employer clients and as a senior level executive leading strategy/innovation and new product development for a national health management organization. She has always felt called to help others craft a business that gives back and makes a global impact. Her vision is big ‒ helping Soul Centered CEO’s make millions so that together we can give millions. "
