© 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All rights reserved.

Developing

Your Leadership Skills

Critical Leadership Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Decision-making

Negotiation

Delegation

Personnel management

Communication Skills

Be responsive

Listen

Schedule one-on-one and team meetings to solicit

input

Keep employees informed

Share the “big picture”

Communication Skills

Convey information formally

– Know your objective

– Explain the importance of your message

– Customize for the audience

– Be enthusiastic

Value of Interpersonal Skills

CFOs were asked, “Which single factor weighs

most heavily in your decision to hire an executive-

level job candidate?”

# 1 answer: Verbal communication skills and problem-

solving abilities tied at 34% each.

Interpersonal Skills

Make the extra effort

Be open-minded

Network

Decision-making Ability

Indecisiveness–––––––Snap decisions

Decision-making Ability

Be diligent about gathering facts

Seek input from staff

Don’t procrastinate on a decision

Be comfortable sharing credit

Negotiation Skills

Requires an ability to manage office politics

The best negotiators:

– Do their homework

– Listen to all points of view

– Know when to compromise

Delegation Skills

Delegation = Seeking the assistance of an employee

you’re confident can successfully complete the task

38% of executives surveyed cited delegation of

responsibilities as the most effective time management

technique

Delegation Skills

Be clear about expectations

Let the employee manage the project

Offer thanks

Personnel Management Skills

Executives were asked, “Which one of the following would

you say has the greatest impact on any employee’s level of

job satisfaction?”

# 1 answer: Relationship with

his or her manager

Personnel Management Skills

Adapt your style to each person

on your team

Determine which management techniques

work best

Personnel Management Skills

Provide support

– Encourage staff to speak up when they need assistance

– Stand up for your team

Personnel Management Skills

Show appreciation for exceptional work

– Create a formal recognition program

• Develop criteria

• Customize rewards

• Make everyone on the team eligible

– Promote from within

Position Yourself as a Leader

Volunteer for new assignments

Pursue additional education

Seek candid feedback

Find a mentor

Become a leader outside the firm

Volunteer for New Assignments

Seek opportunities to enhance skills

Stand out from others who are not proactive

Pursue Additional Education

Benefits of training

– Those already in leadership roles:

• Keep up with developments in the business world

– Those hoping to become leaders:

• Develop your skills

• Demonstrate an interest in professional growth

Seek Candid Feedback

Write down your strengths and weaknesses

Ask others to do the same

Compare

Find a Mentor

Contact a manager you admire

Understand what you hope to gain from the

relationship

Become a Leader Outside the Firm

Volunteer with nonprofits

– Build experience

– Gain a fresh perspective and new ideas for

accomplishing tasks

© 2016 Robert Half International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All rights reserved.

Developing

Your Leadership Skills

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