Let’s get one thing straight: leadership isn’t about having the right title on your business card or bossing people around (shocking, I know). Leadership is a skill. And just like any other skill—playing the guitar, cooking, or even folding a fitted sheet—you can get better at it with practice. So, if you think you’re born a leader or you’re just destined to be a mediocre manager, think again. You can absolutely develop leadership skills. Here’s how.
1. Self-Awareness: Know Who You Are (and Who You’re Not)
Great leaders don’t walk into a room thinking they’re the smartest person there. (If you do this, you’re probably the one everyone avoids.) They’re self-aware, meaning they know their strengths and their weaknesses. Ask yourself: What do I do well? What do I totally suck at? Be brutally honest. Once you know where you shine and where you should probably hand things off to someone else, you can work with that. If you’re terrible with numbers, don’t pretend you’re a spreadsheet guru—delegate that stuff. The key to leadership is knowing your own limitations and not letting them get in the way.
2. Be a Damn Good Communicator
Good leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about communicating clearly and often. Make sure people understand what you’re saying, why you’re saying it, and where you want to go. And when they screw up (because they will), don’t just yell about it. Explain the why behind the feedback. Don’t be vague. No one is a mind reader. If you want people to follow you, let them know what you expect and be consistent about it. Trust me, vagueness just creates confusion and stress.
3. Empower, Don’t Control
This is a big one. Being a leader doesn’t mean micromanaging every step. In fact, if you’re still doing that, you’re doing it wrong. Empower people to make decisions, give them responsibility, and let them take ownership. People respect leaders who trust them enough to make their own calls. The best leaders aren’t the ones who make all the decisions—they’re the ones who guide others to make decisions that are better than their own. (Seriously, if you’re constantly over their shoulders, you’re just a bad manager, not a leader.)
4. Accept Responsibility (Even When It’s Not Your Fault)
Here’s the thing: When something goes wrong, you’re the first one to take the fall. If your team messes up, don’t point fingers and play the blame game. Own up to it (even if it’s technically not your fault). People want to follow leaders who take responsibility, not ones who push the blame down the chain. You’re the captain of the ship, and if it sinks, it’s on you. (Well, metaphorically, unless you’re literally a ship captain, in which case, don’t sink the damn ship.)
5. Learn to Fail (and Make It Look Good)
Failure is a part of leadership. And by “part,” I mean it’s inevitable. It’s going to happen. So, do yourself a favor and stop pretending like you have all the answers. You’re going to make mistakes, your team is going to mess up, and things won’t always go according to plan. But guess what? That’s when your leadership shines. It’s easy to be a leader when everything’s going right, but it takes real skill to guide your team through a disaster. Be open about your failures. Learn from them. And if you’re still doing the same things wrong over and over? Maybe it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
6. Build Trust (It’s the Glue of Leadership)
You can’t lead if people don’t trust you. That’s just how it works. Trust is built through consistency, honesty, and delivering on your promises. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you screw up (and you will), own it. Trust isn’t a one-time thing. It’s built over time through every decision, every conversation, and every action. The more trustworthy you are, the more your team will look to you for guidance.
So, there you go. Leadership is not some mystical quality you either have or don’t. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice, self-awareness, and a willingness to mess up and try again. If you’re serious about stepping up as a leader, it’s time to put in the work. Just remember—leaders aren’t perfect. They’re just people who keep showing up and getting better every damn day.
Ready to lead? Start by taking responsibility for your growth. Everything else will follow. (And if it doesn’t, well, that’s a whole other conversation.)