How to Build Leadership Skills?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Leadership: Definition and Job Titles
• Why do Leadership Courses?
• What Skills do Modern Leaders Need?
• Leadership Courses for Beginners
  • Basics of Training & Leadership
  • Basics of Leadership Styles and Theories
  • Mastering Personnel Leadership & Management Planning
  • Mastering Management & Leadership Approaches
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

Introduction

From Netflix to Amazon, talented Leaders have transformed small start-ups into massive  market-dominating corporations. Living in a world that rewards vision, innovation and insight, there are plenty of Professionals with leadership ambitions. 

Opportunities are on the rise, too – BLS reports that Management positions are expected to rise at a faster than average rate, with 1.2 Million openings projected for each year. The BLS also found that Top Executive Leaders are also growing in demand, with a projected 6% rise per year from 2023 to 2033.  

When opportunity and leadership skills collide, magic can happen. If you, too, aspire to lead companies to greater heights, here are the managerial positions, Leadership courses and future-forward skills that can help you build your dream career. 

What is Leadership?

Leadership can be defined as a skill, mindset or personality that inspires, motivates and guides a set of people towards achieving a certain objective. Leaders tend to be influential and perceptive, having the ability to mentor their subordinates and help them achieve their true potential, while also moving towards organisational objectives. 

What Skills do Modern Leaders Need?

Advanced Leadership development programs and even beginner-friendly leadership short courses will touch on these core competencies:

• Risk-Taking: Leaders must be unafraid of taking bold, even risky moves. It is often these unorthodox decisions that can help a company rise in the industry, so being a risk-taker is crucial. 
   
• Communication: Being responsible for guiding and inspiring the people in their teams, Leaders must possess the ability to communicate clearly, effectively and confidently. 
   
• Empathy: As a Leader, losing touch with the employees on the ground is a recipe for disaster. Understanding and valuing their lived experiences and opinions is key to being an effective Leader.
   
• Organisational Skills: You will need to be organised to track goal progress, address KPIs, fulfil contractual and legal obligations, and oversee your team as a whole. Being organised will also help you devote time to the crucial tasks. 
   
• Delegation: The ‘I-need-to-do-it-to-get-it-done-right’ mentality is not helpful for leaders. It is important to offload tasks that do not require your expertise or input, as it helps you use your hours more efficiently.
   
• Creativity: Leaders with a creative streak in them are open to unconventional and novel ideas, willing to break boundaries and make an impact in the market. This can help an organisation stand out from the competition. 
   
• Ethics and Integrity: History is clear on the fact that unethical Leaders will not succeed in the long-term – rather, they will not only face the consequences of their actions, but also drag their company down with them. 
   
• Future-forward Outlook: Being a Leader in a future-forward world means being willing to adapt and grow. From doing leadership development courses to integrating Digital Transformation or AI in your organization, leaders need to keep evolving. 

In tune with the last point, aspiring Leaders have turned to Leadership development programs, certifications and online courses to keep polishing their skills. 

Why do Leadership Courses?

Leadership skill development is an on-going process. Even so, here are a few key reasons why you should opt for Leadership Development Courses:

• Stay Updated: With new developments like Artificial Intelligence on the rise, educating yourself with Leadership development programs will help you navigate new technologies with awareness. 
• Be Competitive: Upgrade your skills with reputable leadership certificate programs or any other program to stay ahead of the competition and innovate in your domain. 
• Grow your Career: Executive Leadership Programs, like an MBA or a DBA, can help you climb the corporate ladder and qualify for senior leadership positions. They can equip you with the skills to reach the pinnacle of your career. 

Being a Leader committed to self-development is a precursor to success and respect. 

Leadership Courses for Beginners

While an MBA is among the best leadership courses out there, starting with Leadership Short Courses and Online Certifications can often be the better choice. This is especially true if you are a full-time Professional with familial obligations and financial commitments. 

You can’t go wrong with UniAthena’s Online Leadership Courses. Here are our top recommendations for Learners looking to grow their leadership skills:

• Basics of Training & Leadership

UniAthena’s Basics of Training and Leadership is ideal for beginners seeking a strong theoretical foundation. This course covers the different styles and theories of leadership, along with training types, approaches, and significance. Upon completion, you can earn a Leadership Certification online from CIQ, UK. Did we mention this course is free to learn and self-paced?

• Basics of Leadership Styles and Theories

Want to learn which leadership style suits you best? UniAthena’s Basics of Leadership Styles and Theories is for you. In this free-to-learn Short Course, you will explore different managerial styles, compare between them and understand their theoretical underpinnings. You will also learn the different definitions and roles of leadership in organisations. Upon completion, you can qualify for a Professional Certification from CIQ, UK.

• Mastering Personnel Leadership & Management Planning

UniAthena’s Mastering Personnel Leadership & Management Planning is ideal for novice learners. This free-to-learn course explores approaches and strategies to planning and managing personnel. This information is crucial for a Leader’s success. 

Upon completing this course, you can opt for a Professional Certification from CIQ, UK.

• Mastering Management & Leadership Approaches

UniAthena’s Mastering Management & Leadership Approaches is a free-to-learn, self-paced Short Course. In as little as 1 week, you can learn about Leadership and Management approaches, including Change Management, Strategic Management and lessons into management domains. Complete the quizzes to qualify for a Certificate from CIQ, UK.

Conclusion

Leadership positions are growing, and so is the competition. Mastering select key skills and staying committed to upskilling and growth is crucial to long-term success and career advancement. While an MBA or DBA is always a solid choice, you can choose to start small with UniAthena’s Short Courses first. You can also explore our 600+ Course Collection for any other domains you are interested in exploring. 

Bonus Points:

• Leadership is so crucial to the overall success of a venture – in fact, competent Leaders can increase market share by 45%!
• On the other hand, poor Leadership can cause significant loss to a company. Research shows that 75% of workers leave due to poor management.