“To think about your life is to create it.” – Unknown

There is an interesting job interview scenario doing the rounds on various social media platforms of late, about how a candidate gets hired largely by virtue of positive attitude and taking ownership. Seemingly unimportant deeds such as switching off the lights when one is the last person to leave the room, or even acknowledging the security personnel, go a long way in making the right impression to prospective employers. In a similar vein I recently read a newspaper article where a candidate did not get hired for the position of a CEO because the organization took a negative view of him screaming at the driver of the company cab that had been designated to take him for his interview.

Some of us may be tricked into believing that Leadership skills training is only relevant in the professional setting. Nothing can be farther from reality than this! In fact, of the various subtle indicators of personality traits from a very young age, the capacity to take ownership is a great tool to correctly predict who is cut out for the long haul, as against a weak-kneed person who may require additional support to get ahead in the ‘race’ that is life.

The ability to take ownership is clearly one of the first steps in displaying leadership qualities. Taking ownership implies, standing up and announcing that you are responsible for each and every action of yours. At work, taking ownership would simply mean, being accountable for a project within your specific job description.
Ownership aside, there are a few other corporate soft skills training focus areas that are integral to effective Leadership:

• Communication is one of the most important skills of a leader is to be able to communicate effectively.

• Awareness and the capacity to take informed decisions are crucial too.

• Honesty and integrity are non-negotiable aspects.

• Relationship Building holds the key to sustained growth and development of everyone involved.

• Innovation is necessary to augment progress and avoid the risk of stagnation.

• Developing Leadership Skills is vital since delegation is a crucial aspect of diversification and in the absence of an able succession pipeline, the entire effort is as good as a house of cards about to collapse.

While it is easier said than done, simply put, a good leader takes the lead, and displays exemplary courage, clear vision with ambition to succeed and a charismatic, positive persona. Also noteworthy is the fact as someone famously said, “Delegation works only when the person delegating works!” Good leaders also invariably emphasize on soft skills training for employees and encourage the team to perform to their optimum all the time and drive organisational success.

As intangible as the word ‘Leadership’ is, the kinds of Leadership that one may opt to display can be mind boggling. Transformational Leadership is exemplified by leaders who encourage, inspire and motivate employees to innovate and create change that will help grow and shape the future success of the company. In other words, such leaders ‘Walk the Talk’. Thought Leadership is another level altogether. As these persons are perceived to be seasoned subject matter experts and the go-to people in their respective fields of expertise, they are trusted resources who guide and inspire people with innovative ideas, and help turn ideas into reality, by demonstrating how to replicate their success.

If you are ready to progress to the next level in your personal Leadership Journey, there is no time to waste – make haste, and embark of discovering the ‘Leader in You’ by way of the various business soft skills training programs available.

Remember: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right!” – Henry Ford