Leading by example: how your life skills shape your team
In today's dynamic environment, life skills are not optional extras. They are essential for individual and organisational success – so what better place to start than with a business’s existing leadership.
While technical expertise is crucial, “life skills” are becoming increasingly vital for navigating a rapidly evolving world. These are the higher-order skills that foster adaptability, collaboration and personal growth.
Leading by example
When we’re talking about the life skills an employer needs to have, what do we mean?
For leaders, developing a life-skills-focused culture begins with self-reflection.
Assess your own life skills: what are your strengths and areas for improvement? How do you demonstrate leadership, communication and adaptability in your daily work?
Some of the aspects you might want to consider are:
Confidence – do you demonstrate the courage and tenacity to navigate change and embrace new opportunities?
Communication – what’s your preferred style - and which could you improve on and use better? Do you practise effective two-way communication and active listening?
Empathy
Collaboration
Leadership – how do you motivate and inspire others towards shared goals?
Innovation – do you foster your own curious and creative mindset? How do you use research and problem-solving skills and develop new ideas?
You need to lead by example and model the desired behaviours and that includes demonstrating effective communication, active listening and a growth mindset.
You are also best placed to foster a culture of learning and development. Encourage employees to continuously learn and develop new skills and provide opportunities for training and mentorship.
And remember to recognise and reward life skills by acknowledging and appreciating employees who demonstrate strong life skills in their work.
Developing your own life skills
As an employer, here are some avenues to investigate how you can build on your own strengths and abilities.
Self-reflection and personal development: regularly take time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement.
Learn, lead, succeed: the business owner’s guide to creating a learning culture: Find out in this webinar why workplace learning is key to small business success and get tips to help make it a key focus in the workplace
Supervisors' Success Formula: Motivating Teams with Recognition and Reward Webinar
implement a 360 degree review
Mentorship and coaching: seek guidance from experienced leaders or professional coaches.
Professional development courses: explore courses on leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and other relevant areas.
Scottish Enterprise Leadership Academy
Scottish Rural Leadership Programme - and listen to participants here
Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) - harnessing the power of leadership to transform people and businesses for the better, including training providers and learning resources
University part-time courses
Networking and industry events: engage with other leaders and learn from their experiences.
Look to your local Chambers of Commerce, FSB, local associations, Growbiz, Business Gateway, Scottish Enterprise membership organisations, industry organisations, awards dinners, business breakfasts, Institute of Directors, Scottish Women in Business
It’s as much about fostering a culture where you lead by example in using and promoting life skills. It’s engaging with people to achieve a common goal, motivate and encourage and that is not about barking orders.
In creating a sense of common purpose for yourself and your employees, you can create a more engaged, adaptable and successful workforce.
Remember, consistent effort and a commitment to continuous improvement are key to effectively developing life skills within your organisation.
But as we all know, good employers attract good people.
Discover more in this section about developing life skills…
