How To Improve Leadership Skills: Practical Tips and Techniques

Leadership is more than a title or a position; it’s a continuous journey of influence, growth, and impact. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, there’s always room to grow. So, how can leadership skills be developed effectively? The answer lies in adopting strategies that build trust, inspire action, and create meaningful change.

I’ll share how to improve leadership skills through actionable tips and techniques that have shaped my own journey and those of the leaders I’ve coached.

1. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Improving leadership skills starts with understanding people, and at its core, emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognise and manage your own emotions while effectively responding to the emotions of others. Often regarded as the foundation of great leadership, EI enhances communication, strengthens trust, and nurtures meaningful relationships within teams, key components of mastering how to improve leadership skills.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Leaders with high EI excel in creating a collaborative and supportive environment. According to Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularised the concept, EI comprises five key components:

1. Self-Awareness: Recognising and understanding your emotions and how they affect others.
2. Self-Regulation: Managing emotions, particularly in high-stress situations, to maintain composure and clear thinking.
3. Motivation: Harnessing emotional energy to achieve goals, even in the face of setbacks.
4. Empathy: Understanding and valuing the feelings and perspectives of others.
5. Social Skills: Building strong relationships and effectively managing team dynamics.

Studies consistently show that leaders with high EI outperform their peers, with benefits ranging from improved decision-making to increased employee engagement.

How to Strengthen Your Emotional Intelligence

1. Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to your team without judgment or interruption. Reflect back on what you hear to ensure understanding and validate their feelings.
2. Develop Self-Awareness: Take time to reflect on your emotional triggers and responses. Journaling or seeking feedback from trusted colleagues can provide valuable insights.
3. Show Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes. Whether it’s celebrating their achievements or acknowledging their struggles, empathy builds trust and connection.
4. Regulate Your Emotions: Learn techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to stay calm under pressure. Respond, don’t react.
5. Foster Open Communication: Encourage honest dialogue and create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.

Practical Application

Imagine your team is facing a tight deadline, and tensions are running high. A leader with strong EI might notice the stress, empathise with their team’s concerns, and offer constructive support, such as reallocating resources or simply acknowledging their hard work. This approach not only resolves immediate challenges but also reinforces team morale.

Resources to Build EI

To dive deeper, explore training tools like Genos Emotional Intelligence assessments, which provide actionable insights into your EI strengths and growth areas. For specific leadership scenarios, my BAUU Newsletter 19 on How to Make Leadership Emotional Intelligence offers additional techniques to bring EI into your daily practices.

Think of emotional intelligence as the key that unlocks the human side of leadership. By cultivating EI, you don’t just lead—you inspire. When trust, empathy, and understanding drive your leadership, your team becomes more resilient, motivated, and aligned with shared goals.

2. Lead with Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of trust, and trust is essential to improving leadership skills. Without integrity, leaders might achieve short-term gains, but they’ll find it challenging to maintain loyalty, credibility, and long-term success. To build true leadership excellence, integrity must go beyond words—it’s reflected in actions, especially when no one is watching.

Why Integrity Matters in Leadership

Integrity isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership imperative. Research consistently shows that ethical leaders inspire greater trust and commitment from their teams, leading to stronger performance and lower turnover. According to the 2023 Global Leadership Study, 81% of employees believe that ethical behaviour in leadership directly influences their decision to stay with an organisation.

As Warren Buffett said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” This underscores how fragile trust can be and why consistent integrity is essential. Leaders with integrity act as role models, demonstrating accountability and fairness even in challenging situations.

Key Principles of Leading with Integrity

1. Transparency: Be open about your decisions and the reasoning behind them. Transparency builds trust and minimises misunderstandings.
2. Consistency: Align your actions with your values. Inconsistent behaviour undermines credibility.
3. Accountability: Own your mistakes and take corrective action when necessary. Admitting errors demonstrates humility and a commitment to improvement.
4. Fairness: Treat everyone with respect and equity, regardless of their position or background. Fairness fosters a culture of inclusivity and trust.
5. Courage: Make ethical decisions, even when they’re unpopular or challenging. Stand firm in your values, especially under pressure.

How to Practice Integrity as a Leader

1. Model Ethical Behaviour: Your team will mirror your actions. Set the standard by consistently demonstrating honesty and fairness in your interactions.
2. Establish Clear Values: Define the ethical principles that guide your decisions. Ensure these values are communicated and upheld across the organisation.
3. Encourage Whistleblowing: Create safe, anonymous channels for employees to report unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation.
4. Reward Integrity: Recognise and celebrate team members who demonstrate ethical behaviour, reinforcing its importance.
5. Maintain Open Communication: Regularly discuss ethics and integrity with your team. Use real-world scenarios to explore ethical dilemmas and potential solutions.

Practical Example

Imagine a team project goes over budget due to an oversight. A leader with integrity would take responsibility for the mistake, explain what went wrong, and implement measures to prevent it in the future. This approach not only resolves the issue but also reinforces trust within the team.

Resources for Building Integrity

For deeper insights into embedding integrity into your leadership style, consider frameworks like the I.N.T.E.G.R.I.T.Y. framework shared in BAUU Newsletter 21, How to Make Ethical Leadership. It provides actionable steps to align your values with your actions.

Leading with integrity is like building a lighthouse—it provides guidance and stability, even in the stormiest seas. When leaders act with honesty, fairness, and courage, they create a culture of trust that empowers teams to excel. Remember, integrity isn’t just what you do—it’s who you are as a leader.

3. Adapt to Change

Adaptability is one of the most vital traits for those looking to improve leadership skills. Great leaders don’t just react to change—they anticipate it, embrace uncertainty, and guide their teams with clarity and confidence. Think of adaptability as a GPS for leadership—it recalibrates with every shift, ensuring you remain on the path to success.

Why Adaptability Matters

Change can be daunting, but it also creates opportunities. Leaders who adapt quickly are better equipped to:

1. Stay Competitive: By anticipating trends and pivoting strategies, adaptable leaders keep their organisations relevant.
2. Foster Innovation: Change often spurs creative thinking, leading to breakthroughs in products, processes, or services.
3. Inspire Resilience: When leaders model adaptability, they empower their teams to handle uncertainty with confidence and collaboration.

Research from McKinsey shows that organisations led by adaptable executives are 30% more likely to outperform competitors during volatile periods. Adaptability isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage.

Traits of an Adaptive Leader

Adaptive leaders excel because they:

• See Change as Opportunity: They view challenges as chances to grow and innovate.
• Act Decisively: They make informed decisions quickly, even in ambiguous situations.
• Promote a Growth Mindset: They encourage their teams to learn, experiment, and embrace failure as a step toward success.
• Stay Agile: They pivot strategies without losing sight of long-term goals.
• Foster Collaboration: They leverage diverse perspectives to generate creative solutions.

How to Build Adaptability

1. Stay Informed:
   • Action: Monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and competitor strategies.
   • Impact: Proactively identifying shifts allows you to prepare your team and adjust your goals accordingly.
2. Cultivate a Learning Culture:
   • Action: Encourage employees to upskill through training programs and workshops.
   • Impact: A knowledgeable, skilled team is more confident in tackling change.
3. Embrace Experimentation:
   • Action: Launch pilot projects or innovation challenges to test new ideas.
   • Impact: Experimentation fosters innovation and positions your organisation as a leader in its field.
4. Communicate Vision Clearly:
   • Action: During transitions, articulate the “why” behind changes and the benefits they bring.
   • Impact: Transparent communication minimises resistance and boosts team alignment.
5. Empower Your Team:
   • Action: Delegate responsibilities and trust your team to innovate and adapt independently.
   • Impact: Empowerment builds confidence and encourages proactive problem-solving.

Practical Example

Consider an organisation transitioning to a hybrid work model. An adaptive leader would:

• Anticipate potential challenges like team coordination and technology needs.
• Communicate openly about the reasons for the shift and its benefits.
• Provide resources such as remote collaboration tools and flexible schedules to ease the transition.
• Gather feedback to refine the model continuously.

This approach not only ensures a smoother transition but also strengthens trust and collaboration within the team.

Resources for Adaptive Leadership

Adaptive Leadership—How to Navigate Change Dynamically, in BAUU Newsletter 32, explores the A.D.A.P.T. framework, which emphasises anticipating change, promoting flexibility, and fostering trust to navigate uncertainty effectively. It’s a must-read for leaders aiming to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

Adaptability isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. The most effective leaders aren’t afraid to pivot, experiment, or take calculated risks. They embrace change with open arms and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. By developing adaptability, you not only future-proof your leadership but also inspire resilience and creativity within your team.

4. Develop Your Communication Skills

Communication is the foundation of improving leadership skills. It’s not just about sharing information—it’s about inspiring action, uniting teams, and building trust. Clear and consistent communication enables great leaders to bring their vision to life, foster meaningful relationships, and ensure everyone feels valued and aligned with shared goals.

Why Clear Communication Matters

Without clear communication, even the most brilliant strategies can falter. Misunderstandings, misinformation, and misalignment can derail projects and erode trust within teams. Research by the Project Management Institute shows that ineffective communication is the primary cause of project failure in 33% of organisations. Here’s why communication is vital:

1. Alignment: Teams work more cohesively when they understand goals and their individual roles.
2. Motivation: Leaders who communicate with passion and purpose inspire action and enthusiasm.
3. Trust: Open, transparent communication builds credibility and strengthens team relationships.

As Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” Communication that conveys purpose and authenticity resonates deeply with teams and stakeholders alike.

Traits of Exceptional Communicators

1. Clarity: They use concise language to ensure their message is easily understood.
2. Authenticity: They speak with sincerity, making their words relatable and impactful.
3. Empathy: They consider their audience’s perspectives and tailor their message accordingly.
4. Consistency: They reinforce messages through regular communication, reducing ambiguity.
5. Engagement: They foster two-way communication, encouraging feedback and collaboration.

How to Communicate Effectively as a Leader

1. Start with a Clear Vision:
   • Action: Craft a compelling vision statement that articulates your goals and values.
   • Impact: A clear vision provides a north star for your team to rally around.
2. Leverage Storytelling:
   • Action: Use anecdotes, metaphors, and real-life examples to make your message memorable.
   • Impact: Storytelling taps into emotions, making your message more engaging and relatable.
3. Encourage Feedback:
   • Action: Create safe spaces for open dialogue, where team members feel heard and valued.
   • Impact: Listening to feedback fosters trust and ensures your message resonates.
4. Use Multiple Channels:
   • Action: Combine face-to-face meetings, emails, and digital tools to reach your audience effectively.
   • Impact: Diverse channels ensure your message is accessible and reinforce key points.
5. Adapt to Your Audience:
   • Action: Tailor your tone, content, and delivery to suit the needs of different stakeholders.
   • Impact: Personalised communication enhances understanding and engagement.
6. Follow Up with Action:
   • Action: Reinforce your words with actions that align with your message.
   • Impact: Consistency between words and actions builds credibility and trust.

Practical Example

Imagine announcing a major organisational change. An effective communicator would:

• Clearly explain the “why” behind the decision to align the team with the purpose.
• Use storytelling to illustrate how the change supports long-term goals.
• Hold team meetings to address questions and concerns, ensuring everyone feels heard.
• Provide regular updates via email or project management tools to maintain transparency.

This approach not only reduces resistance to change but also strengthens trust and commitment within the team.

Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting. When leaders communicate with clarity, authenticity, and empathy, they create a shared understanding that inspires action and drives results. By making communication a priority, you set the stage for a motivated, aligned, and high-performing team.

5. Empower Your Team

Improving leadership skills is not about creating followers, it’s about developing other leaders. Empowering your team involves cultivating an environment where individuals feel confident to take ownership, make decisions, and grow both personally and professionally. When leaders focus on empowerment, they unlock untapped potential, boost morale, and foster a culture built on trust, innovation, and collaboration.

Why Empowerment Matters

Empowered teams are productive teams. When individuals feel trusted and supported, they’re more likely to:

1. Take Initiative: Employees who feel empowered proactively seek solutions and tackle challenges without waiting for direction.
2. Drive Innovation: Empowerment creates a safe space for experimentation, leading to creative problem-solving and breakthrough ideas.
3. Build Resilience: Teams that feel valued and autonomous are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change.
4. Enhance Retention: Empowered employees are more engaged and loyal, reducing turnover and fostering long-term success.

Gallup’s research highlights this impact: teams with high levels of empowerment report 21% greater profitability and 41% lower absenteeism. When leaders empower, they multiply their influence exponentially.

Traits of an Empowering Leader

1. Trust: They delegate tasks confidently, trusting their team’s abilities.
2. Support: They provide the tools and guidance necessary for success while stepping back to allow autonomy.
3. Encouragement: They celebrate successes, acknowledge efforts, and provide constructive feedback.
4. Clarity: They communicate expectations and goals clearly, ensuring team members understand their roles.
5. Growth-Oriented: They prioritise development opportunities, recognising that empowered individuals are more likely to grow into leadership roles themselves.

How to Empower Your Team

1. Delegate Effectively:
   • Action: Assign tasks based on individual strengths and interests.
   • Impact: Leveraging diverse skills increases efficiency and builds confidence in team members.
2. Provide Resources and Training:
   • Action: Invest in professional development programs, such as workshops or certifications.
   • Impact: Knowledge and skills empower individuals to excel and contribute at higher levels.
3. Foster Decision-Making:
   • Action: Allow team members to make decisions within their areas of expertise, providing guidance only when necessary.
   • Impact: Autonomy encourages accountability and creative problem-solving.
4. Recognise and Reward Contributions:
   • Action: Celebrate achievements publicly and offer personalised recognition for individual efforts.
   • Impact: Recognition reinforces a culture of empowerment and motivates ongoing excellence.
5. Encourage Open Dialogue:
   • Action: Create opportunities for team members to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
   • Impact: Inclusive communication fosters trust and strengthens collaboration.

Practical Example

Consider a leader managing a high-stakes project. Instead of micromanaging, they empower their team by:

• Assigning key responsibilities based on expertise.
• Offering training to fill skill gaps.
• Encouraging open discussions to brainstorm innovative approaches.
• Providing constructive feedback during regular check-ins without dictating solutions.

This approach not only builds a capable and confident team but also ensures the project benefits from diverse perspectives and expertise.

Empowerment in Action

As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Empowerment isn’t just a tactic—it’s a philosophy that transforms individuals and teams.

Empowering your team is like planting a garden. With trust, resources, and care, you cultivate an environment where talent flourishes, ideas bloom, and success thrives. Remember, your legacy as a leader is not just in what you achieve—it’s in the leaders you inspire and the impact they create. Empower your team today and watch your influence grow tomorrow.

6. Commit to Lifelong Learning

Understanding how to improve leadership skills starts with a commitment to lifelong learning. The most effective leaders recognize that leadership is not a destination but an ongoing process of adapting, evolving, and embracing new challenges. By continuously learning, leaders stay sharp, innovative, and ready to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters

The pace of change in today’s business environment demands leaders who are adaptable and informed. Lifelong learning equips leaders with the tools to:

1. Stay Relevant: Industries evolve rapidly, and leaders must keep up with emerging trends and technologies.
2. Enhance Decision-Making: Continuous learning provides new perspectives and insights, leading to more informed choices.
3. Inspire Teams: A leader’s commitment to growth motivates their team to follow suit, fostering a culture of development.
4. Boost Resilience: Learning equips leaders to tackle challenges with confidence and agility.

According to Deloitte’s 2023 Global Human Capital Trends report, 94% of employees and 88% of executives believe a culture of continuous learning is essential for long-term success.

Traits of a Lifelong Learner

1. Curiosity: They ask questions, seek new knowledge, and explore unfamiliar territory.
2. Humility: They recognise there’s always more to learn and are open to feedback and constructive criticism.
3. Proactivity: They take the initiative to learn, whether through reading, courses, or attending conferences.
4. Adaptability: They embrace change as an opportunity to grow rather than a threat to stability.
5. Resilience: They view failures as valuable lessons, using setbacks to refine their approach.

How to Commit to Lifelong Learning

1. Set Learning Goals:
   • Action: Identify specific skills or areas of knowledge you want to improve.
   • Impact: Clear goals provide direction and motivation for ongoing development.
2. Engage with Diverse Perspectives:
   • Action: Network with professionals outside your industry and attend interdisciplinary events.
   • Impact: Exposure to different viewpoints fosters creativity and innovation.
3. Leverage Online Learning Platforms:
   • Action: Enrol in courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or edX.
   • Impact: Access to a broad range of topics allows you to expand your expertise on your own schedule.
4. Read Regularly:
   • Action: Commit to reading leadership books, industry publications, and thought leadership articles.
   • Impact: Regular reading broadens your understanding and keeps you informed about trends and best practices.
5. Seek Mentorship:
   • Action: Partner with a mentor who can provide guidance and share experiences.
   • Impact: Mentors offer valuable insights and help you navigate challenges with wisdom.
6. Reflect and Apply:
   • Action: Take time to reflect on what you’ve learnt and implement it in your leadership practices.
   • Impact: Application reinforces learning and ensures it translates into actionable improvements.

Practical Example

Consider a leader aiming to improve their adaptability in a fast-paced industry. They might:

• Enrol in a course on emerging trends in their field.
• Read books on adaptive leadership, such as John C. Maxwell’s The 5 Levels of Leadership.
• Join a professional network to exchange ideas and best practices.
• Apply new insights by leading a pilot project to explore innovative approaches.

This approach not only enhances their skills but also sets an example for their team, reinforcing a culture of growth and innovation.

As Albert Einstein said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Lifelong learning is the fuel that drives leadership transformation. By staying curious, embracing feedback, and continuously refining your skills, you ensure not only your growth but also the success of those you lead. Remember, a leader who stops learning stops leading—commit to your journey of growth today.

Never Stop Improving Your Leadership Skills

Improving leadership skills is a journey of growth, not perfection. Each intentional step brings you closer to becoming the transformative leader your team deserves. If you’re wondering how to improve leadership skills, focus on trust, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and lifelong learning. By doing so, you can inspire meaningful change, achieve impactful results, and build a legacy that lasts.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with me today and gain insights to elevate your leadership journey. Explore thought leadership and practical frameworks designed to transform your approach—one step at a time. Let’s climb this ladder together!