Six Power Skills Every Results-Driven Leader Needs

Living in Dunmore East, a small, picturesque seaside village in the Southeast of Ireland is a charm, especially during the summer when we see a rise in the number of seasonal visitors.  Many of these have chosen our charming village to spend the summer relaxing and enjoying time out of the city with their families.  Recently I was in the local supermarket, and I overheard a couple of professionals discussing their work commitments and how they appreciate the hybrid working model which allows them to enjoy more time with their families whilst being able to fulfil their work commitments. This got me thinking about new leadership and the skills needed to be able to navigate the ‘newness’ of the work/life landscape.  There is no doubt that the role of a leader has transcended traditional management techniques that were a staple requirement for anyone stepping into a leadership role. Modern, results-driven leaders need to develop a unique blend of skills that go beyond technical expertise or hierarchical authority.  There is a new and emerging emphasis on skills that are referred to as “power skills”; competencies and abilities that enable leaders to build sustainable relationships, navigate complexities, inspire teams, and achieve outstanding outcomes. Let’s have a look at the top six ‘Power Skills’ that I believe will supercharge your Leadership role. 

Effective Communication: this may seem obvious, but from my experience, there is always room for improvement when it comes to communicating especially when we consider the needs and nuances of a multi-generational workforce. Leaders must learn to communicate with purpose and transparency and ensure that they are flexible enough to understand that generational diversity calls for multi-channelled purposeful communications that are clear, concise, and empathetic to foster a healthy work environment ensuring that individuals and team members are aligned with the organisation’s targets. Leaders who practice active listening, communicate vision, and give constructive feedback are guaranteed to enhance collaboration, resolve conflicts, and maintain a strong rapport with their teams. 

Emotional Intelligence: as a longtime assessor and promoter of the benefits of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) I cannot emphasise the importance of this Power Skill.  EQ has emerged as a crucial skill for modern leaders; some leaders have an innate or natural Emotional Intelligence whilst others find that they need to work on refining some aspect of their EQ skills.  EQ spans a broad range of skills, including recognising and managing one’s own emotions while understanding and empathising with the emotions of others. Leaders with high EQ can adapt their leadership style to the needs of different individuals and groups which in turn creates trust, builds and promotes team performance.

Adaptive Problem-Solving: the world of work is currently characterised by constant change and disruption; therefore leaders need to be excellent problem-solvers. Adaptive problem-solving means thinking on your feet so that you can quickly identify challenges, evaluate potential solutions, and make effective decisions. Using adaptive problem-solving skills leaders will think critically, analyse situations, and creatively solve problems.  Employees respond to leaders who inspire confidence keeping their team on track even in the most challenging or uncertain situations.

Empowerment and Delegation: a big mistake that new leaders often make is to believe that they can do everything themselves. This is echoed in the words of Vernon Law who states that “experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward”.  It can be very daunting for a leader to ‘let go’ and trust the process and their team.  Therefore, empowerment and delegation are vital power skills that involve entrusting team members with responsibilities, fostering their growth, and creating a sense of ownership and accountability. When leaders empower their teams and delegate appropriately, they create an environment where innovation thrives, and individuals are motivated to contribute their best every time.

Humility and Inspirational Leadership: humility is an essential trait for all leaders and is a potent force that nurtures trust and collaboration within teams. Leaders who exhibit humility are open to acknowledging their own limitations and valuing the contributions of others. This quality enables leaders to connect at an authentic level, inspire loyalty, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Humble leaders are known to prioritise the growth of their team members and the organization above personal recognition, thus, paving the way for measurable success and meaningful impact. Leaders who are genuinely humble inspire people not through authority alone, but by their actions, values, and attitudes. Leaders who lead with integrity, authenticity, and humility gain their teams’ respect and loyalty, which builds a shared commitment to achieving exceptional results.

Continuous Learning: finally, modern leaders should embrace and promote a culture of continuous learning. The journey of leadership is an ongoing process of growth and development. Leaders who are committed to continuous learning stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and evolving best practices. This power skill allows leaders to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a competitive edge.

I believe that ‘Power Skills’ are the secret ingredient that separates great leaders from good or average ones enabling them to navigate complexities, inspire teams, and achieve remarkable results, especially in the face of uncertainty, change and disruption.  By investing in the cultivation of these power skills, leaders can unlock their full potential and drive success in an ever-changing business landscape.

If you would like to discuss leadership development, training or any other aspect of developing Power Skills’ feel free to reach out to janet@newlinkstraining.com or Mobile at 086 3897409