5 Skills That Influential Executives Possess: Every executive is different. They have their own leadership styles and tendencies that shape the way they guide and challenge their teams to perform beyond their set expectations. Different as these processes may be, all influential executives rely on the same core skill set that allows them to be effective leaders.
Find out about the attributes that help influential execs operate by reading the article below. How do you fare in these areas?
Skill #1: Authenticity
If it comes across that you don’t take your work seriously, you can’t expect others who do to get behind you. Above all else, influential managers and execs are truthful and open with their teams. An ethical approach serves as the foundation for the skills coming up.
It’s far easier to motivate others when they believe that you’re a credible leader who’s doing good for the company. Ask yourself, are you being genuine or just putting on a show?
Skill #2: Relationship Building
The higher you climb in the corporate realm, the more important building strong relationships becomes. Executives with the ability to develop meaningful relationships with their teams and peers start a bond-forming chain reaction that boosts productivity and accountability and impacts the company culture in a big way.
Executives who promote relationship building get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals on their leadership teams and in turn encourage them to do the same with their team members. Execs who forge these connections are more likely to set projects up for success ahead of time; they know whom to call on when, inside and outside of the organization.
Skill #3: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is another must-have competency that countless executives attribute to their success. This skill plays a key role in how you perceive others and how they perceive you. If you don’t take the feelings of others into consideration or understand your own emotions, you can’t be a leader that others support.
Improving your emotional intelligence impacts just about every facet of the way you approach an interaction at work and at home. It allows you to be a better relationship builder, team player, and leader.
Skill #4: Vision and Values
Executives who are wishy-washy, insincere, or sporadic about which values dictate their decisions won’t inspire others to see where their actions fit into the greater picture. Organizations need leaders who live the company’s values and can translate these values into a tangible vision of which all employees can be a part.
Executives who are steadfast in their values and make their short- and long-term goals for the company known earn the respect of others and give them a common drive.
Skill #5: Persuasion and Communication
Influential leaders are also expert communicators. If you can’t convey what you want others to do or can’t keep your team’s attention, they’re likely to walk away more confused than inspired.
When an effective executive takes the floor, they can state their case in an articulate and persuasive manner. They make people aware of what they need to know without going overboard. These points logically flow into the next steps or courses of action that need to be taken.
Improving Your Influence
Becoming an influential leader takes commitment and practice on the part of the executive. These skills require training and discovery and may come naturally to some more than others. An executive coach is a great resource for executives who see they need help in these areas.
Think you might be interested? Contact Arden to discuss your personal and professional goals today.
