Major Signs Of Poor Leadership Skills

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The leadership skill gap is a topical issue in the work environment. While it is true that high performing workers are more likely to be promoted into leadership positions, few are cut out for these roles. According to some, only 10% of people have a natural flair for leadership. This means the rest need to learn to define their roles. However, the truth is that a poor leader can slow down productivity and even be the catalyst for conflicts at work. Aside from these, here are some other signs that show that someone’s leadership skills need polishing.

1. Inability to make sound decisions

Leadership comes with a lot of decision-making, taking risks, and working with conviction. Making an informed decision as a leader is a great characteristic to have. Unfortunately, not everyone can do this, so keep this in mind. A person with poor leadership skills may lack the skills to call the shots when the need arises. Moreover, they may struggle with setting direction for employees and the company in general. The last thing you want is to hire someone with a track record of business success but zero marks in the leadership department. 

2. Absence of communication skills

Communication is a tool. However, according to experts, effective communication should be the goal. It is the channel through which people understand each other in any setting. In the workplace, communication cannot be overlooked or underestimated. This is why every leader is expected to make excellent use of their communication skills. As Lindsay Tighe puts it, transformational communication leads to empowered conversations. Unfortunately, a leader who lacks this crucial skill will likely fail to pull the team along, so keep this in mind.

3. Lacking conflict resolution skills

First of all, conflict is inevitable. They are more prevalent within the work environment than people want to admit. While it’s impossible to eliminate conflict at the workplace, a good leader takes measures to avert or reduce them. However, a person with poor leadership skills may even worsen a conflict. Additionally, employees may instinctively not acknowledge the presence or authority, which lacks fundamental skills.

While an effective leader will build relationships and implement structures to avert conflict, another lacking the skills may struggle to do the same. Because conflict resolution is a mark of good leadership, it is crucial for a leader to naturally possess or learn these traits. Fortunately, there are training outlets that offer targeted workshops on conflict resolution.

4. Slow reaction to change

In the world of business, change is constant. An effective leader is expected to be open to it and flexible enough to adapt to different situations. The business environment is highly competitive, requiring quick but guided reactions. Unfortunately, a person with poor leadership skills is slow to change. As a result, they may lack the ability to pick on shifts in the business environment. Again, they may not be able to determine the impact of these changes on company operations and productivity, so keep this in mind. 

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