Leadership is one of the most essential attributes of an effective manager and is often developed over time through training, mentoring and experience.

Even if your performance has been strong and you’re considered a good management, leading others can be an adjustment for most. We take a look at 4 tips to help develop your leadership skills further.

Set goals
Every employee needs goals to strive for. Goals give employees direction and purpose, but also ensure that employees are working towards the overall organisational goals. Setting specific and measurable goals with employees, also allows you to regularly monitor their progress towards achieving them.

Communicate
Communication is key. Often, leaders communicate far too little. In a busy business, it can sometimes prove difficult to keep employees up-to-date on the latest organisational news. Regardless of how busy you are, leaders must make the effort to communicate with employees and give them the information they need in order to do their jobs efficiently.

Make time for employees
Leadership is a job that involves working with people. If an employee needs to speak to you, ensure you set time aside to do so. It is incredibly important to be a clear communicator and a good listener. It also worth initiating a Coaching and Mentoring program as these help professionals grown, develop and learn new skills under the direction and advice of an expert. Organizations implement mentoring programs to align the goals of the company with the professional development of its employees.

Recognise achievements
Ensure you recognise when your employees do a good job. Recognition is something all employees want to receive and by publicly recognising the efforts and achievements of your team, you not only develop their confidence, but also encourage future contributions and effort. Try to incorporate praise into your day-to-day communication – investing in your colleagues will pay off.