Leadership Skills include all of the relational skills, as well as process and procedural skills. Effective leaders are organized and work from well-crafted procedures. They have skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and decision-making.

Relational skills are the people skills a leader needs to communicate and supervise effectively. That effectiveness includes the ability to manage their emotions. Top-notch relational skills make for a competent, trusted, and approachable supervisor—someone we wish to emulate. 

A good supervisor has solid boundaries and good judgment. They communicate assertively and with clarity. When necessary they firmly set limits, but calmly and with compassion.

In an organization, relational skills need to be modeled by the leader. A leader with excellent relational skills will help everyone get along better, will create an environment with fewer conflicts, and will have the ability to easily resolve conflicts that arise. The level of ease with which they help organization members resolve conflicts is directly related to the communication skills exhibited by them and other members. The more direct, clear, and compassionate the communication, the fewer the conflicts.

Members of an organization can have difficulty getting along or handling conflict in business meetings if the leader is weak in relational and/or procedural skills. Staff or members will not get along well if things are disorganized, and if procedures don’t exist, are not clear, or not followed.

Groups that struggle with a lot of conflict often assume it’s because there’s too much disagreement. However, disagreement may be due to confusion and lack of issue clarity in meetings that are poorly run or poorly planned. 

A leader proficient in facilitation will make sure each issue is crystal clear. They will recognize when an issue is brought to a staff meeting that is not ready for full staff discussion. The leader will send the issue back to the team or committee to do more work at their level before asking the larger group to weigh in.

Relational and procedural skill proficiency helps us develop the awareness needed to improve group process by clearly defining goals and issues. The result is a decrease in conflict and access to the tools to address conflicts that do arise – usually while they are still small.

Everyone Can and Should Develop Leadership Skills

While those in designated leadership positions need leadership skills, everyone can develop leadership skills. The skills that will help you stand out and will serve you for the rest of your life.

The healthiest organizations encourage input from everyone and inspire members at all levels to step into a leadership role at various times or on specific projects.