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Whether you are working within a small business or a large corporation, leadership is key. Businesses can achieve lasting success by hiring plenty of leaders who are knowledgeable about empowering their teams and leading their organizations.
It is difficult to identify true leaders, which means recruiters sometimes place followers into positions for which strong, effective leaders are needed. This guide, along with intelligent leadership training, can be used by recruiters in the process of searching for the right candidate for a leadership position.
Skill #1: Mission
Business strategies that work for decades may no longer work for businesses today. It is therefore vital that leaders are able to plan effectively so they can ensure their company’s growth regardless of what comes next.
These leadership qualities can be discovered by examining application materials and asking applicants questions that address their vision. Those who are true leaders probably improved the prospects of their previous employers through implementing proactive changes to technology or technique.
Furthermore, leaders can confidently answer questions about business direction and can offer at least rudimentary plans to move the company in the right direction – provided they possess what is thought to be the single most important skill – communication.
Skill #2: Communication
Each position in a business requires the ability to communicate effectively. However, leaders who can’t communicate effectively will fail to lead, and will only be unable to accomplish their goals.
All levels of leaders must communicate with a variety of groups, such as subordinates, peers, superiors, and clients, using a variety of messages. It is essential to master language arts to switch codes so frequently, since not all communication methods will work in every situation.
It is easy to detect poor communication skills during the application process. When cover letters are written improperly, interview answers are poorly delivered, and other communication errors occur, this indicates inability to lead.
Skill #3: Influence
Getting others to do a task might be the most important application of communication skills. A leader must be able to persuade others to follow their directions, otherwise they will not be able to influence meaningful change.
It is not enough to speak well to be influential; it is important to project confidence and claim authority. Recruitment professionals must determine whether applicants are culturally compatible with the rest of the company. Some environments might benefit from the forceful leadership of a drill sergeant, but a similar style could be ineffective in casual startup environments or progressive companies. When recruiting for such a skill, employers and leaders must be carefully matched.
Skill #4: Making Decisions
There are thousands of decisions a person makes every day, such as what to wear, where to eat, and when to sleep. However, leaders have even greater responsibilities, and their decisions affect others as well. The ability to make quick decisions is not inherent in everyone, but leaders have a tendency to take quick decisions, even if they are incorrect. A smart way of understanding how well an applicant manages this skill is to ask them to speak about difficult decisions they have made in the past, their methods of deciding, and the final results. In addition, looking for advanced degrees, such as a master’s in organizational leadership, will assist recruiters in finding individuals who have been trained to make the right decisions no matter what.
Skill #5: Analytical
It isn’t enough to make a decision: In order for leaders to continue moving their businesses forward, they must also understand its ramifications. Making a choice does not take much time but analyzing its impact can take weeks or months. Outstanding leaders know how important it is to invest time and resources into analysis, no matter what insight it reveals about their decisions.
There are dozens of reasons intelligence is crucial to leaders, but analysis requires a high level of mental capacity. This means recruiters should use short intelligence tests to check advanced education credentials. Candidates can also demonstrate their commitment to investigating and evaluating data by describing and listing the tools they prefer.
Skill #6: Flexibility
To alter the course of the business when results are less than favorable, leaders need to change their tactics. The process of being flexibility is often difficult, with push-back from all sides, but it is an essential part of running the business. Organizations that are reluctant to adapt will not be successful. A candidate’s work experience should demonstrate a desire to modify plans and improve strategies for the benefit of employers. Leadership positions should not be held by those who uphold the status quo.
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