10 qualities of effective business leaders

9. Do you resolve conflicts in a productive way? Organizational change often leads to workplace conflict. Dealing effectively with flare-ups is part of the leadership challenge.

While most managers would rather avoid the negative emotions that accompany workplace interventions, company profitability requires the maintenance of a smoothly running work environment.

“Effective managers need to realize that the ability to address conflict is a core competency that they must develop,” says Pete Tosh, founder of The Focus Group in Macon, Georgia.

Effective managers learn the skills required to help employees deal with disagreements. This means directing the involved parties to reach realistic resolutions, casting light on perspectives and ideas that can improve business performance.

“Focus on solutions, not the problem,” Tosh says. “Concentrate on commonalities, the future and negotiation, rather than on differences, the past and emotion. Emphasize process, not content.”

10. Do you behave in a professional manner? Titles empower obedience; behavior earns respect.

“A leader’s actions are far more important than their words,” Tosh says. “People listen to talk, then watch the walk.”

A manager’s words and actions must be consistent in order for them to be believed. And they must also conform to the company policies and practices that have been championed by top leaders. Any deviation from them can create distrust.

“When we lead by example, our actions need to be consistent with our words,” Tosh says. “No matter what we say or how we ask others to behave, our actions will always serve as the truest indicator of our priorities.”

Mastering skills

How well have you mastered the 10 skills described in this article? Find out by taking the accompanying quiz below. Your answers will help you draw up a self-improvement road map.

Bear in mind that effective management is a process rather than a destination. Managers must continuously learn new approaches and techniques to create an environment where employees perform at peak levels.

“People often make the mistake of feeling they have it made as soon as they are promoted into supervisory positions,” Goruk says. “They stop learning and start coasting. And then they fail as effective managers.”

In contrast, managers who make a concerted effort to improve their leadership performance end up creating motivated employees and greater profits.

“Some people are born with competencies that make it easier for them to be leaders,” Tosh says. “But most people need to get some experience and training under their belts. The good news is that leadership is learnable. All it takes is an individual who wants to succeed.”

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Test your management skills

How well do you manage people? Score yourself on each of these 10 skills. For each question, score 0 for never; 4 for seldom; 8 for often and 10 for regularly. Then, total your score and check your rating at the bottom of the chart. Obtain guidance from the corresponding sections of the article that accompanies this quiz.

1. I listen well.
2. I communicate company priorities clearly.
3. I delegate effectively.
4. I challenge employees to set reasonable performance goals.
5. I inspire my employees.
6. I encourage employees to contribute ideas.
7. I take a personal interest in my employees.
8. I coach employees to rebound from performance shortfalls.
9. I resolve conflicts in a productive way.
10. I behave in a professional manner.

What’s your score?

80 or more: Congratulations. You have gone a long way toward mastering the essential skills of management.

Between 60 and 80: It’s time to fine-tune your managerial practices.

Below 60: Your business is at risk. Take action on the suggestions in the accompanying story.

Phillip M. Perry is an award-winning journalist who is published widely in the fields of business management, workplace psychology and employment law.

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