Women have exceptional power to excel as leaders. All we just have to be given is – a chance! Or more importantly, when the chance comes we have to take it…
So how do we make ourselves ready to be a leader? I personally believe that you can hone these five skills that will pave your wave to be a future leader. Please note that I am using the word skill purposely as these are things that can be learnt.
#1. Communication Skills
Communication Skills are at the core of being a leader. You have to be able to tell your story and convince others to follow or believe in your idea. The good part is effective communication is relatively simple. It is not about big words, but more about clarity and belief. But most important in building this skill is practice… practice… and practice.
#2. Your Personal Brand
Understand what you are about and what makes you YOU! What is your USP and why should people “listen” to you? Once you know what is different about you or your approach, you need to show it to the world. The world is listening but you need to know how to tell your story.
You might also like to read: How to build a strong Personal Brand as a Woman Entrepreneur
#3. Reliability
A watch that stops working reliably is of little use and causes much tension. Sometimes fast… sometimes slow… but never dependable. So, carefully commit and then stick to your commitments. It is also OK to say NO. As a leader, reliability is very important trait.
#4. Networking
In professional world there is a popular phrase – your network is your net worth! The power of networking is huge. The more people you meet the more opportunities are there. But more important, is also understanding how to develop your network and how to aptly leverage it.
Also Read: 9 Practical networking tips for introvert women entrepreneurs
#5. Stepping Up | raise our hands
Last and not least. It is in your hands… you need to raise your hand… put yourself out there and trust that you can do it. Yes, there are times things will be offered to you, but in my experience that is very rare. More often than not you will have to ask for it – the raise… the promotion… and the next big leap. So as a leader it is important to seize those moments and opportunities.
Remember, also to give another fellow woman a helping hand. There are many that help you in your journey… and the more you ‘Give Back’ the stronger you will be. Simple, what goes around comes around. And, they will be also eager to help you as you climb your ladder to become a leader.