The importance of leadership in the workplace

No one is born a great leader. In order to become a great leader, you must be dedicated, hardworking and committed. At some stage, whether you realise it or not, you are leading someone or a team in some way.

When thinking about leadership, it is often considered as being an aspect of a specific position or job title. However, a title can only take you so far and a title does not necessarily provide you with followers. True leadership is the ability to positively influence people in order to achieve a better result for the company. In order to maximise efficiency and achieve certain goals, the management of the company must have good leadership skills. Effective leaders tend to have a strong sense of self and they understand the qualities that make other people want to follow them.

Good communication and leadership skills are essential when leading a productive team. A leader should be able to share his/her knowledge with the people he/she manages, and when it comes to decision-making, it should be done in such a way that the rest of the team understands. As mentioned above, no one is born a great leader, and leadership skills can be learned over time if you are dedicated, committed and hardworking.

So, why is leadership in the workplace so important?

1. It keeps the team accountable

When working in a team, it’s usually easier to dodge responsibility. You can easily hide behind your colleagues and make your tasks their responsibility. That’s where a leader can step in. A great leader will always take full responsibility for the team’s results.

2. Leadership empowers the team members

If you are a leader, you shouldn’t think that you have power over your team members or a group of people, instead, you should give this power away by empowering the team. A leader should trust the skills and expertise of their team members. Through trust, leaders can empower their team members to deliver the best work possible.

3. The decision-making process is simplified

A team without a leader can get stuck when they are trying to make tough decisions. Having a great leader to lead the team and take charge of specific projects and decision making will ensure that everything runs a lot smoother.

As mentioned earlier, leadership skills can be learned. You can enrol in leadership skills training courses that will not only benefit your workplace but your personal life as well.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. (E&OE)