Anmol Seth | Leadership Skills Required to be a Powerful Leader in the World of Today

The world has changed and continues changing. While some of the skills that were needed to be a leader in the world of yesterday still apply, the list of necessary traits has grown. Before we discuss the new traits, however, let us first take a look at the old leadership skills discussed by Anmol Seth.

1. People and communication skills.

Usually, these two are listed as separate traits, but in fact, they go hand in hand. If you can't communicate effectively you won't be able to form relationships with people that are built on trust and respect. On the other hand, if you can't empathize with people and gain their respect and trust, it doesn't matter how well you can communicate.

2. Decision making.

You need to be able to make decisions if you want to be a leader but just making decisions isn't enough; they have to be the right decisions. You need to be able to analyze situations, see all available options and choose the best one. Speed and efficiency are important here because a good decision made too late is just as bad as the wrong decision.

3. Adaptability.

It's always a good idea to plan, but are you able to adapt if things don't go according to plan? Considering the nature of the world we live in - where change is the only constant - this trait has become invaluable. Although sometimes the ability to adapt is also not enough, you need to be able to adapt quickly.

4. Ability to delegate.

'If you want something done, do it yourself' is an attitude a leader cannot afford to have because most of the time there's too much work that needs doing. Anmol Seth says you need to be able to delegate and trust people to do their jobs. Poor leaders micromanage and those that do end up with dispirited staff.

Now for the new traits that need to be added to the above list:

1. Drowning out the noise and effective time management.

We live in a fast-paced world that has become oversaturated with information. Then there are the social media platforms that we're advised to be active on, the various methods of communication of today, the gadgets we're addicted, to and the list goes on. Simply put: There is too much noise. Anmol Seth says a good leader must be able to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information and not get lost in unnecessary detail. A good leader must also have the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. The core interests of your organization should always come first.

2. The ability to connect with people on a personal level.

Let's face it; we rarely speak to each other anymore. Rarely face to face and even phone calls are becoming few and far between. We just drop an email or a message if we have a query, information to convey or praise to give. A good leader makes time for one-on-ones with his subordinates. This makes staff feel appreciated (and therefore more willing to go the extra mile) and creates an atmosphere where it becomes easier for them to confide in you (which will prevent problems from escalating). In the olden days, one-on-ones were the fastest and most effective way to communicate. Nowadays they might not be the fastest but they are still the most effective.

A leader needs to be a people's person and have the ability to communicate effectively. Someone that can delegate, make decisions and is adaptable when things don't go according to plan. What needs to be remembered is that although most of these skills can't be taught, they can be honed, and that's why management training courses should be attended regularly.