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I have been thinking a lot about leadership lately. It is both an abstract and concrete concept. It allows one to leverage who they are and what they learn, to lead an organization.

Good leadership can fall into a vacuum if there aren’t good processes and systems in place. 

Good processes and systems in place can fall apart if there is not good leadership. 

It is the chicken or the egg scenario.

Honing in your leadership skills isn’t usually at the top of a business owner’s list, since you are putting out fires and trying to keep the organization moving forward. Yet it is too important to overlook.

Leadership is an intricate dance of influence, empathy, and vision that propels teams towards extraordinary achievements. True leaders understand that their role extends far beyond simply delegating tasks or making decisions. Instead, they focus on developing a suite of soft skills that enable them to connect with their team members on a deeper level, fostering an environment of trust, creativity, and mutual respect.

There are three components around soft skills that you can develop. This includes self-awareness, effective communication, and emotional intelligence.

Self-Awareness:

To become an effective leader, you need to start with knowing yourself. Understanding your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and clarifying your core values are the foundation of effective leadership. This self-awareness provides profound insights into your leadership style, enabling you to make decisions that align with your authentic self and lead your team with genuine conviction. By cultivating a deep understanding of yourself, you can inspire and guide your team more effectively, foster stronger relationships, and create a work environment that encourages growth and innovation.

Effective Communication:

Mastering the art of effective communication is vital for inspiring and motivating your team. This multifaceted skill encompasses active listening, empathetic understanding, and clear articulation—each playing a crucial role in fostering a dynamic, collaborative environment.  By mastering these skills, you’ll foster collaboration, build trust, and create a shared vision for the organization. This can lead to greater employee engagement which is crucial for the success as a leader and the organization. 

Emotional Intelligence 

Cultivating emotional intelligence will allow you to become an exceptional leader. This vital component of leadership empowers you to develop empathy, learn to manage your emotions and gain an understanding of your impact on others. As you work on this skill set,, you’ll create a stronger relationship base with your team and nurture a supportive work culture.

Leadership is a dynamic blend of art and science, centered around achieving results through people while also investing in the next level of leadership. It is about inspiring, guiding, and empowering your team to reach their full potential. As you work on your leadership skills, you’ll be able to make more strategic decisions that align with who you and the company are, propelling your organization forward.  

So what came first, is it the chicken or the egg? It’s both.


If you find you are feeling overwhelmed in your role as a leader or business owner, and need to gain clarity and a path forward, scheduling a First Steps Consultation may be your next best step. Sign up here.

Stephanie German is a business strategist, adjunct professor, and speaker. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and loves giving back to her community in a variety of ways. When she’s not coaching clients or writing about leadership, Stephanie is usually headed to the mountains or the beach with her family, drinking savory wine, or working on the latest project with her husband. Stephanie’s greatest desires are to raise up the next generation of leaders while raising her own children to be strong, independent, and brave. She lives in Fresno, California with her husband Blake and her three spunky daughters, Cara, Kinsey, and Peyton. She is the best-selling author of So Your Boss Can’t Lead?

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