Leadership Skills That SHOULD Be Common Sense

October 12, 2024by Wesley Clark

Ever been part of a discussion that involves someone being a leader vs. a boss? There is a significant difference depending on how you look at it. Take this image for example:

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Notice the difference?

Effective leadership is often viewed as a complex, intricate art. There are countless books, seminars, and courses out there that are constantly marketed to companies to help people become more effective leaders. This vast array of information makes it seem like something that only a select few can master. However, a lot of key leadership skills involve basic principles that should be common sense. Unfortunately, in many workplaces, we find that what seems obvious is often overlooked.

I think it’s time we dive into some of these basic skills that should be second nature to anyone in a leadership role. These skills are more than just something that would be “nice to have” but are essential to fostering a healthy, productive work environment.

Listening to Your Team

It sounds crazy that this needs to be said, but active listening is one of the most important skills any employee (especially a leader) can have. Yet, it is frequently neglected or outright ignored. Leaders often get caught up in their own world of decision-making and problem-solving, forgetting that the best solutions sometimes emerge from the people that are on the front lines.

According to an expert opinion, employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to do their best work . Makes sense, people want to be heard. Leaders who regularly take the time to listen to their employees' ideas, issues and feedback not only gain valuable insights but also make the employees feel important and valued. A good way to implement this is to hold regular one-on-one meetings with your team. When an employee talks, focus on understanding their perspective fully before responding. Making your team feel listened to can lead to multiple benefits such as higher morale, long term employment and strong work ethics.

Communicating Clearly and Effectively

Something that goes hand in hand with listening is good communication. This skill is fundamental to effective leadership. Think about it, you didn’t tell your staff what you need from them or how to do it. How can they be expected to succeed? It’s a very simple skill and yet, we’ve all experienced managers who send confusing emails, hold unclear meetings, or fail to provide direction altogether. Effective communication isn’t just about speaking well; it’s about ensuring that the message is clear, understood and leaves no ambiguity.

A study by the Project Management Institute found that poor communication is responsible for 56% of project failures . Leaders that communicate clearly prevent misunderstandings, reduce conflicts, and improve overall productivity. Always clarify your expectations and ensure your message is understood. A good way to do this is by asking for feedback or questions. If your staff are unclear, you’re providing an opening that allows them to understand what you are asking of them. This also applies to emails. A good practice to implement after sending important messages would be to do a follow up. Whether this is in person or via email, following up helps confirm that everyone is on the same page.

Showing Appreciation

You did it! You crushed that sale, you met all your deadlines and now you’re ready to get the recognition you deserve right? Wait, no one noticed? Well that’s a bit of a bummer isn’t it? How do you think your employees feel when they do the same? Recognizing and appreciating your team’s hard work is one of the easiest ways to boost morale. It’s one of the easiest things you can do and many leaders fail to do so. Common sense would dictate that when people feel appreciated, they are more likely to remain motivated and committed to their work. According to O.C. Tanner Institute 79% of employees who leave their jobs cite a lack of appreciation as a key reason .

Businesses often associate recognition with monetary rewards. And some companies simply can’t afford that all the time. It doesn’t always boil down to money to show appreciation. A simple “thank you” or acknowledgment of a job well done can go a long way in creating a positive work environment. Leaders who make it a habit to regularly appreciate their employees see better engagement, higher productivity, and reduced turnover. A good way to implement these motions of simple thanks, try to incorporate regular praise into your leadership style—whether it’s public recognition in a meeting, a private note of thanks, or company-wide shoutouts.

Delegating Tasks

A common trap that leaders fall into is trying to do everything themselves. While this can be considered a noble thing, it prevents leaders from showing a sense of trust in their team. Delegation is a fundamental leadership skill that should be second nature, but many leaders struggle to relinquish control. Effective leaders know that delegating tasks not only frees up their time but also empowers their team members. This allows their team members opportunities to take ownership of projects. 

According to Forbes, companies with highly effective delegators achieved 33% higher revenue. Proper delegation enables leaders to focus on higher-level priorities while employees grow and take on more responsibility. Trust your team and give them the authority to make decisions within their tasks. Match tasks to employees’ strengths and follow up with support when necessary, but avoid micromanaging.

Be careful not to lean too heavily into placing everything on your staff. Employees that see their leaders working alongside them as opposed to passing off all their work gains respect, appreciation and results in higher morale.

Taking Accountability

It is an expectation to hold your team accountable but have you looked in the mirror lately? Too many leaders deflect blame or shy away from admitting to their own mistakes. This can seriously erode trust, lead to resentment and even a lack of respect from your team. People who accept accountability set a strong example for others to follow and this is an admirable quality as a leader.

Accountability should extend to both successes and failures. When something doesn’t go right, a leader should be the first to step up and acknowledge their hand in the issue rather than pointing fingers. For example, if a project fails or a target is missed, take ownership of the outcome and discuss lessons learned amongst your team. This creates an open, honest environment where people feel safe to take risks. Acting in this manner will foster a sense of trust, respect and an example of accountability for your team.

Being Empathetic

Empathy. Something we as people should always strive to pass along to others. It’s especially important for leaders. Great leaders understand that their employees are not just cogs in a machine. They’re human beings with emotions, aspirations and goals. Empathy doesn’t mean lowering your expectations or coddling your staff. It means acknowledging their feelings and being understanding when they face challenges or become frustrated.

According to Businessolver, 92% of employees say they would be more likely to stay with a company if their managers showed empathy. Leaders that show empathy, create an environment where employees feel supported, which in turn boosts loyalty, motivation, and well-being. Try to implement this by making an effort to get to know your team. If someone is struggling, check in on them, and offer support to the best of your ability.

Leading by Example

Last but not least, leading by example. People no matter what stage they are in during their life, are constantly seeking guidance in things. Employees look to their leaders for obvious reasons, looking for cues on behavior, work ethic, and standards. For example, if a leader is constantly late, disengaged, or cutting corners, what do you think those that look up to that individual are going to do? By behaving in this manner, managers set precedents for their staff that doing these actions are acceptable. However, a manager who works hard, acts with integrity, and treats others with respect will inspire their team to do the same and lead their team down the correct path.  

It’s simple: to gain the respect and loyalty of your team, be the kind of leader you would want to follow. Try to reflect on your behavior and how it might be perceived by your team on a regular basis. Are you demonstrating the values you expect from your team?

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Conclusion: Common Sense Isn’t Always Common

While the listed items may seem like they should be intuitive, they are often overlooked or undervalued because they are not consistently put into practice. Effective leadership requires discipline and the embodiment of fundamental principles such as communication, empathy, and accountability. By focusing on these common-sense skills, leaders can foster a more engaged, motivated, and productive team.

References

  1. ⁠Expert Panel. Empower Your Employees To Do Their Best Work With These Seven Tips. Forbes, August 24, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/councils/theyec/2022/08/24/empower-your-employees-to-do-their-best-work-with-these-eight-tips/
  2. Cecchi-Dimeglio, Paola. ⁠How Leaders Shape Success: The Art Of Delegation And Effective Communication. Forbes, September 27, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/paolacecchi-dimeglio/2023/09/27/how-leaders-shape-success-the-art-of-delegation-and-effective-communication/
  3. ⁠PMI (Project Management Institute). The Essential Role of Communications. May 2013. https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/essential-role-communications
  4. ⁠Curtin, Melanie. Employees Who Feel Heard Are 4.6x More Likely to Feel Empowered to Do Their Best Work. Inc.com, September 5, 2019. https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/employees-who-feel-heard-are-46x-more-likely-to-feel-empowered-to-do-their-best-work.html
  5. O.C. Tanner Institute. ⁠The Business Case for Employee Recognition. May 22, 2024 (updated). https://www.octanner.com/white-papers/the-business-case-for-employee-recognition
  6. Businessolver. Businessolver Workplace Empathy Monitor Executive Summary. May 2017. https://info.businessolver.com/hubfs/workplace-empathy-monitor-executive-summary.pdf
  7. Tarazevich, Anna. Leadership Lettering Text on Black Background. Pexels, October 13, 2020. https://www.pexels.com/photo/leadership-lettering-text-on-black-background-5598284/

About The Author

Wesley Clark
Wesley ClarkWesley Clark is a certified Human Resources Management professional with over 9 years of experience, specializing in leadership and creative problem-solving. His expertise extends beyond HR, as he actively pursues filmmaking and writing, bringing a unique blend of creativity and innovation to every project. Wesley’s background in filmmaking allows him to think outside the box, which has enhanced his approach to leadership, conflict resolution and marketing.