Leadership: Top 5 skills that create the best leaders (and one bonus)

• 19.08.2025.
• News, Management, Education

The direction in which a company, organization, or employees go is often the result of the actions of just one person – the leader. His or her leadership skills affect not only business results but also the satisfaction, motivation, and growth of all team members.

But what does it actually mean to be a leader? What skills distinguish those who merely “manage” from those who inspire, drive, and leave behind strong and independent teams?

Today, when changes in the market occur frequently, and the market itself is increasingly demanding, leaders cannot be just bosses who issue orders. 
They must be visionaries, mentors, communicators, and motivators. 
Every decision they make, every word they say, and the way they delegate tasks shapes the organizational work culture.

Why leadership matters more than ever

Leadership is responsibility. Every leader carries the weight of decisions that can shape not only financial results but also the careers, ambitions, and lives of the people in their team.

In today’s business environment, leaders are the ones who:

• define the vision and direction,
• encourage innovation and adaptation to change,
• recognize talents and develop them,
• build a culture of trust and cooperation.

The excellence of a leader often becomes most visible only when he or she leaves. If the team continues to grow, deliver results, and maintain a positive culture, it is a sign that the leader truly invested in people and created an organization that can succeed even without them.

A capable leader emerges through the intertwining of numerous skills that create conditions for employee productivity in the workplace. Likewise, they influence their satisfaction and motivation.

Every person is unique, and therefore individual leaders will have their own leadership style that matches their personality.

Still, there are some general skills that have proven throughout history to be the characteristics of good leaders:

• • Empathy
  • The art of delegation
  • The ability to motivate
  • Investment in personal development
  • Communication skills
  • Bonus: Conflict resolution

 

Top 5 skills of the best leaders (and one bonus)

Every leader has their own style, but those who leave a mark share several decisive skills. These skills are not innate – they can be learned, developed, and perfected.

1. Empathy – the foundation of modern leadership

Numerous studies have shown that empathy is at the very top of desirable qualities in people who lead us in the workplace.

Empathy is the ability to recognize other people’s emotions and understand their perspective. Studies have also shown that empathetic leadership has a direct impact on productivity, loyalty, and employee engagement. Such employees feel accepted and validated, which builds trust and leads to better work performance.

Leaders can practice empathy towards their team members in 2 ways:

1. Cognitive empathy – What would I think in his/her place?
2. Emotional empathy – How would I feel in his/her place?

Regardless of which approach you personally choose, you will achieve the best result if you express your concern and directly inquire about the challenges your employees are facing, and then truly listen to their answers.

Ask yourself how much empathy you have practiced in your team today.

2. The art of delegation – the key to team growth

It is not uncommon for people in leadership positions to be convinced that everything will be best if they do it themselves or if they deal with every smallest detail, and that this is best for the business. In this way, they fall into the trap of micromanagement because they believe it is easiest if they do everything themselves. However, a leader who does not delegate does not develop their team and risks personal burnout.

Delegation is not just task assignment; it is a process of trust, empowerment, and developing employee competencies. A true leader recognizes the strengths of their people and uses them to achieve goals together, without the need to impose their own will.

It is necessary to recognize the strong points of team members and allocate tasks accordingly. By delegating work tasks, all team members are empowered, self-confidence grows, and trust is built.

Delegation is a skill that should be pleasant for all who want to bring out the best in themselves and in other members of the organization.

Have you given your employees the opportunity to take responsibility today?

3. The ability to motivate – the driver of team energy

A leader who knows how to motivate also knows how to maintain a high level of energy and focus in the team. It is not enough to just distribute tasks, one must know how to create a sense of common goal and purpose that will drive the team even in challenging moments.

Motivated employees are not only more productive at work, but they also pass on their enthusiasm to clients.

For example, if a project is delayed and employees are under great pressure, instead of criticism, it may be better to highlight the progress that has already been achieved and remind the entire team of the importance of the final result for the whole company. This brings back focus and boosts morale.

When was the last time you inspired your team to believe in a shared vision?

4. Investing in personal development – leaders who learn lead better

The task of a leader is to create a vision and then encourage other team members to work together to achieve that vision. And the best leaders never stop learning. They regularly invest in their professional and personal growth.

Motivating and inspiring employees, as well as activating and maintaining their enthusiasm, are the hallmarks of excellent leadership. Particularly inspiring are those leaders who are self-aware and understand that they have limitations and accept them, knowing that they are neither the smartest nor the most capable in the world.

Such an approach is crucial for the success of a specific project or business in general, because nothing can surpass motivated and engaged employees.

Leaders themselves should present their own “why,” but also be motivated to achieve the project. Their obligation is also to awaken that feeling in others. Such an approach sends a strong message – your business values and nurtures learning and progress.

What new skill have you developed this year as a leader?

5. Communication skills – the art of listening and speaking

A good leader does not only speak – he listens. Active listening and clear communication distinguish excellent from average leaders. And communication comes in different forms.

Those who want to be successful leaders and respected by their team must learn how to use all forms of communication to effectively convey their message.

Likewise, when it is time for difficult conversations and negative feedback, skilled leaders must know how to communicate this to employees. And all that without employees losing their sense of self-worth or motivation to work.

Developed communication skills can help uncover, for example, why someone is not fulfilling their work obligations. They also help in building trust between leaders and team members.

With proper communication, you will more quickly understand what is the best way to support your team and which tools you need to provide them so that they can be as successful as possible.

Have you listened more or spoken more today?

Bonus: Conflict resolution – the ability to preserve team harmony

Even the best teams with the best leaders go through conflicts.

Different priorities, ways of working, or deadline pressures can cause tension among team members. A true leader understands that conflicts are not necessarily negative, because they often reveal problems that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

A leader who knows how to resolve conflicts constructively ensures that problems do not escalate, but instead turn into opportunities to strengthen mutual trust and team cohesion. Instead of avoiding conflict, he encourages open dialogue and directs the team toward a common solution.

If a conflict arises, first give everyone the opportunity to express their opinion without interruption, then summarize the main points and encourage employees to find a solution together. In this way, the conflict becomes an opportunity to strengthen team collaboration.

How do you react when conflicts arise in your team? Do you see them as a threat or as an opportunity to strengthen relationships?

How to recognize a good leader?

Leadership is a long-term process. Each of these skills can be developed and perfected with a little effort and awareness.

The excellence of a leader becomes most evident when he leaves, if the team continues to achieve excellent results without him. This means that he truly invested in his people and gave them the knowledge necessary to achieve business success.

If you want to build a team that cares, be available to your team, practice empathy, delegate with trust, invest in your own development, communicate openly, and do not be afraid to resolve conflicts. Show that you care and that you believe in your team.

A true leader is not born but shaped.

 

Do you want to develop your leadership skills or help your team achieve more? Contact us and arrange individual consulting tailored to your business challenges.

 

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