Top leadership skills to build your resume

Leadership is not just about managing people or being the boss of a team; it is a collection of traits that helps individuals achieve their goals and excel in different areas. We may not all aspire to become CEOs but at some point in our lives, we will need to lead in one way or another. It could be leading a project, a team, or simply leading ourselves towards personal growth and success. Therefore, it is essential to develop and showcase leadership skills, and this goes as far as putting them on your resume. Employers often look for candidates with leadership potential, regardless of the position they are hiring for. This is because leaders possess qualities that are valuable in any workplace, such as the ability to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and inspire others. 

Sharing the inspiring story of Emmanuel Faith, popularly known as EF, a 4X TEDX speaker and human resource person at Big Cabal Media; a few years ago, his supervisor had criticized him for his academic performance, saying that he may not meet companies' high standards for education if he needs to get a job. Instead, EF doubled up on his strengths and continued to develop his leadership skills which first earned him a job with Cowrywise, a top-tier fintech company in Nigeria, and now, Big Cabal Media. EF's story is a reminder that grades and academic achievements do not define a person's worth or potential for success. 

Leadership skills and determination can take you much further than you can imagine. So, we have curated top leadership skills to build your resume and how they can benefit your career when you develop them. 

Visionary thinking

Visionary thinking is the ability to think beyond the present and imagine a better future. However, this requires a great deal of creativity and the ability to understand trends and predict future challenges. For instance, with Tesla, Elon Musk envisioned a world where electric cars could be affordable and accessible, despite the challenges of battery technology, infrastructure, and consumer adoption. He focused on creating a sustainable future and a circular economy by producing electric cars powered by renewable energy sources. People who can articulate a compelling vision and inspire others to work towards it are more likely to achieve success and create lasting impact. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is primarily beneficial in leadership roles that involve working with different teams or managing complex interpersonal relationships. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are more empathetic, self-aware, and socially skilled. They can recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. 

Communication skills

Developing effective communication skills takes time and effort, but the good news is that it's a skill that can be developed in a variety of ways. Leaders must be able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely to their team members and other stakeholders. Effective communication is a two-way street, and active listening is a necessary component. This involves being present at the moment, avoiding distractions, and asking clarifying questions to ensure that you fully understand what the other person is saying. Another communication hack is social media; this can be a "powerful widget" for developing communication skills.  Participate in Twitter spaces and engage in online discussions; this can help engage with others, and learn from different outlooks.

Increased resilience 

The business environment is unpredictable and people face constant pressure to achieve goals, solve problems, and overcome obstacles. The ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks, challenges, and failures may seem like a superpower but it is doable. This can help you inspire your teams to persevere through adversity, remain focused on goals, and maintain pace towards attaining success. You can motivate and energize people whenever the need calls for it. To succeed in this demanding scenery, you need to possess the mental fortitude to handle stress, manage difficulties, and maintain a positive attitude. 

Decision Making 

Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt said, "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." This quote highlights the importance of making decisions and taking action, even if the outcome is uncertain. Individuals with exceptional decision-making skills can also use a variety of tools and strategies to help them make conscious decisions. These strategies may include gathering data, seeking diverse opinions, and using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to weigh the pros and cons of different options. They also dare to make difficult decisions, even in the face of uncertainty and risk.

Conflict Resolution 

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace or team setting. People who can manage and resolve conflicts effectively can prevent them from escalating into larger issues that can harm productivity, morale, and even the company's essence. One key aspect of conflict resolution is the ability to remain neutral and impartial while facilitating discussions between conflicting parties. The purpose of remaining neutral during a conflict resolution is to help parties focus on finding common ground and working towards a win-win solution.

Time Management 

Time management means being able to make strategic decisions about how to allocate time and energy. This is an essential skill for anyone but it has to be more on the side of a leader who often has to juggle multiple responsibilities and priorities. Proper time management can help to focus on what is most important and avoid getting distracted by less critical tasks. Also, effective time management will effortlessly help you create a great work-life balance.

Tenacity

Impostor syndrome is real and this can be destructive for leaders, hindering their ability to take risks and make bold decisions. A leader must have the courage to push through these feelings of self-doubt to set an example for others and achieve great success. Also, you must be willing to take risks, make tough decisions, and speak up for what you believe in. You can motivate your team members to take fierce action and pursue ambitious goals. Every day, a leader should want to dream and think beyond the current circumstances or limitations without yielding to fear.