Why Leadership Skills Are Important
According to leadership professionals in both the private and public sectors, we found the following to be true regarding leadership training and development...
1.) In your opinion, what is the most important leadership skill for graduate students to possess?
"Willingness to learn, listen, and accept roles that are not your own."
"Listening skills and the ability to make decisions. Leaders have to make many decisions on a day-to-day basis, often with limited information."
"It is really important to have a good understanding of your emotional intelligence and know your strengths and weaknesses."
2.) What leadership skill(s) do you think is lacking in emerging / young leaders?
"Humility. New graduates have too much confidence that their education and education alone will get the job. They need to have a receptiveness to learn and acknowledge that they do not "know it all" already."
"I think one (or two) of the skills that many of the emerging leaders are lacking is humility and the ability to be a good listener. So often these folks feel they need to talk and share their opinion to prove they are leadership material. It is a tough balance because we do want their input and we want them to engage, but we need them to be able to listen to all perspectives and find value in the opinions of others."
"There is a reputation for being distracted by technology and are not fully listening. Make sure, as a young leader, you do not reinforce the negative stereotypes."
"Initiative taking and leading an organized and healthy lifestyle (i.e. cutting back from social media, eating well, sleeping well...etc.)"
"Overcoming arrogance, having empathy for others, teamwork and consensus building, and communication."
3.) What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an effective leader?
"This all depends on what qualities you currently possess and what you need to work on. For everyone, though, it is important to understand the business. If you know the business, then you will be looked to for answers, naturally, and you will be a better leader. You need to now how your decisions will affect all areas of the business, if possible. It's continuous learning, as there are usually quite a few different aspects to each business. Also, once you are a leader, it is important to meet with your team as often as possible. Make sure you know what's going on in their work, as it will directly affect yours. Even walking around and saying 'good morning' to everyone once a week will help them know you are present and they can talk to you."
"In my opinion, I would suggest someone who wants to become an effective leader should find an organization with a mission or culture that fits the individual. I think if you are committed to an organization, your passion will show and you will have opportunities to lead. I think it is hard to be an effective leader if you are not committed to the organization at a 'higher' level. I also think when you do find that organization where you want to invest your skills and talents, you should find a mentor at the executive level who can guide you through the organization; someone who will advocate for you and find the opportunities to show your potential."
"Show up...Do the work...Follow up...and Respect other's time."
"Some people are natural leaders. It is important to have the ability to motivate and empathize with those you are leading."
4.) How would you recommend someone improve their leadership skills?
"Become a 'T Professional.' Graduates should have a 'deep' understanding of their field and a 'broad' knowledge of how their field interacts with other disciplines, as well as the communication skills to develop connections with people in other disciplines." Click HERE for an information graphic of a "T Professional."
"One thing you can never practice too much is your presentation skills. All leaders will have to present and the best leaders capture a crowd."
"Find opportunities to lead and get a mentor who will be honest with you about your skills."
"Function in societies and do community volunteering."
"Continuous learning, reading, engaging, stay abreast of trends, staying current - if it's not 'cutting edge' then it needs to be high quality."
5.) Individual reflection and self-assessment can help leaders be successful. Are there any development programs you would recommend to students?
"Graduate School PREP system."
"Myers-Briggs Type Indicator"
"StrengthsFinder 2.0"
"Social and Emotional Intelligence Test"
1.) In your opinion, what is the most important leadership skill for graduate students to possess?
"Willingness to learn, listen, and accept roles that are not your own."
"Listening skills and the ability to make decisions. Leaders have to make many decisions on a day-to-day basis, often with limited information."
"It is really important to have a good understanding of your emotional intelligence and know your strengths and weaknesses."
2.) What leadership skill(s) do you think is lacking in emerging / young leaders?
"Humility. New graduates have too much confidence that their education and education alone will get the job. They need to have a receptiveness to learn and acknowledge that they do not "know it all" already."
"I think one (or two) of the skills that many of the emerging leaders are lacking is humility and the ability to be a good listener. So often these folks feel they need to talk and share their opinion to prove they are leadership material. It is a tough balance because we do want their input and we want them to engage, but we need them to be able to listen to all perspectives and find value in the opinions of others."
"There is a reputation for being distracted by technology and are not fully listening. Make sure, as a young leader, you do not reinforce the negative stereotypes."
"Initiative taking and leading an organized and healthy lifestyle (i.e. cutting back from social media, eating well, sleeping well...etc.)"
"Overcoming arrogance, having empathy for others, teamwork and consensus building, and communication."
3.) What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an effective leader?
"This all depends on what qualities you currently possess and what you need to work on. For everyone, though, it is important to understand the business. If you know the business, then you will be looked to for answers, naturally, and you will be a better leader. You need to now how your decisions will affect all areas of the business, if possible. It's continuous learning, as there are usually quite a few different aspects to each business. Also, once you are a leader, it is important to meet with your team as often as possible. Make sure you know what's going on in their work, as it will directly affect yours. Even walking around and saying 'good morning' to everyone once a week will help them know you are present and they can talk to you."
"In my opinion, I would suggest someone who wants to become an effective leader should find an organization with a mission or culture that fits the individual. I think if you are committed to an organization, your passion will show and you will have opportunities to lead. I think it is hard to be an effective leader if you are not committed to the organization at a 'higher' level. I also think when you do find that organization where you want to invest your skills and talents, you should find a mentor at the executive level who can guide you through the organization; someone who will advocate for you and find the opportunities to show your potential."
"Show up...Do the work...Follow up...and Respect other's time."
"Some people are natural leaders. It is important to have the ability to motivate and empathize with those you are leading."
4.) How would you recommend someone improve their leadership skills?
"Become a 'T Professional.' Graduates should have a 'deep' understanding of their field and a 'broad' knowledge of how their field interacts with other disciplines, as well as the communication skills to develop connections with people in other disciplines." Click HERE for an information graphic of a "T Professional."
"One thing you can never practice too much is your presentation skills. All leaders will have to present and the best leaders capture a crowd."
"Find opportunities to lead and get a mentor who will be honest with you about your skills."
"Function in societies and do community volunteering."
"Continuous learning, reading, engaging, stay abreast of trends, staying current - if it's not 'cutting edge' then it needs to be high quality."
5.) Individual reflection and self-assessment can help leaders be successful. Are there any development programs you would recommend to students?
"Graduate School PREP system."
"Myers-Briggs Type Indicator"
"StrengthsFinder 2.0"
"Social and Emotional Intelligence Test"
See the Additional Resources page for links to FREE self-assessment materials!