Hey young leader, I know how leadership is often viewed as a quality reserved for senior executives or those in top management positions.
However, leadership skills are essential at every level of your career, especially in the early stages. As a twenty-something-year-old, developing these skills early on can set you apart from your peers, open up new opportunities, and pave the way for a successful career.
Without a doubt, cultivating these skills early will help you lead others while improving your ability to manage yourself, your tasks, and your career path.
So, let’s get right into it!
Who is a leader and what’s leadership?
Being a leader is not defined by a title or position but by one’s ability to positively influence and bring out the best in others.
While. . . Leadership involves setting a direction, creating a vision, and inspiring others to work towards that vision.
Effective leadership requires a blend of skills, including communication, empathy, strategic thinking, and adaptability
What are leadership skills?
Here are five leadership skills essential for your career development in your twenties:
1. Effective Communication
Why It Matters
Effective communication is the cornerstone of good leadership. It’s not just about speaking clearly but also about listening actively and understanding the nuances of non-verbal communication. Early in your career, your ability to communicate effectively can help you build strong relationships with colleagues, understand your tasks better, and convey your ideas convincingly.
How to Develop It
- Practice Active Listening: Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak. Pay attention to what your colleagues and supervisors say and respond thoughtfully.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your communication style and make necessary adjustments.
- Enhance Your Public Speaking Skills: Join a club like Toastmasters or take a public speaking course to improve your confidence and clarity when speaking to groups.
- Learn Non-verbal Cues: Understand the importance of body language, eye contact, and facial expressions in communication.
Impact
Effective communication can help you articulate your ideas clearly, build better relationships, and increase your influence within your organization. It’s a foundational skill that supports almost all other aspect of leadership.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Why It Matters
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. Leaders with high EI are better at managing stress, resolving conflicts, and creating a positive work environment.
How to Develop It
- Self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your emotions and how they affect your behavior. Journaling can be a useful tool for this.
- Empathy: Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes. Try to understand their perspectives and feelings.
- Self-regulation: Learn techniques to manage your emotions, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or taking a break when you begin to feel overwhelmed.
- Social Skills: Engage in team activities and social gatherings to improve your interpersonal skills.
Impact
High emotional intelligence can lead to better teamwork, improved conflict resolution, and a more supportive work environment. It also helps you to be more resilient and adaptable, key traits for any leader.
3. Strategic Thinking
Why It Matters
Strategic thinking involves seeing the big picture and planning for the future. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive and making decisions that align with long-term goals. Early in your career, developing strategic thinking can help you stand out as someone who understands and contributes to the organization’s success beyond your immediate tasks.
How to Develop It
- Understand the Business: Take the time to learn about your organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Understand how your role fits into the larger picture.
- Ask Questions: Be curious about why decisions are made and how different parts of the organization interconnect.
- Read Widely: Stay informed about industry trends, business strategies, and global events. Reading books, articles, and case studies can broaden your perspective.
- Think Ahead: When working on a project, consider its long-term impact and how it aligns with broader organizational goals.
Impact
Strategic thinking can make you a valuable asset to your organization, as it demonstrates your ability to contribute to its long-term success. It also prepares you for higher-level positions where strategic decision-making is crucial.
4. Adaptability
Why It Matters
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, adaptability is a crucial skill. Being adaptable means openness to new ideas, willingness to change your approach when necessary, and the ability to thrive in uncertain situations.
How to Develop It
- Embrace Change: Instead of resisting change, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new experiences and challenges.
- Learn Continuously: Stay curious and keep learning. Take courses, attend workshops, and seek out new information to keep your skills up-to-date.
- Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, even when things go south. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
- Be Flexible: Be willing to adjust your plans and strategies as needed. Flexibility can help you navigate changes more effectively.
Impact
Adaptability can help you navigate career changes, technological advancements, and shifting market conditions. It makes you more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges and uncertainties that come with any career.
5. Decision-Making
Why It Matters
Decision-making is a critical leadership skill that involves evaluating options, considering potential outcomes, and making choices that align with your goals and values. Early in your career, good decision-making can earn you the trust and respect of colleagues and supervisors.
How to Develop It
- Gather Information: Make informed decisions by gathering relevant information and considering multiple perspectives.
- Weigh Pros and Cons: Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a decision.
- Take Responsibility: Be accountable for your decisions and learn from any mistakes. Reflect on what worked well and what didn’t.
- Trust Your Instincts: While it’s important to be analytical, also learn to trust your instincts and intuition when making decisions.
Impact
Strong decision-making skills can help you take initiative, solve problems effectively, and demonstrate leadership potential. It also helps you build confidence in your abilities and earn the trust of those you work with.
Conclusion
Developing leadership skills in the early phases of your career is not just about preparing for future roles; it’s about enhancing your current performance and setting yourself up for long-term success.
Remember, as part of the Twenties Circle community, you will learn to be a great leader and develop some of the skills listed above. Leadership is not a position but a mindset. Stay tuned for exciting updates and continue growing together.
Whether you’re aiming for a managerial role or simply want to excel in your current position, follow us at the Twenties Circle for more Leadership career tips and content!
We’ll be sharing awesome articles, and resources, to help you navigate your leadership journey.
