5 ways to develop your leadership skills from day one

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Leadership abilities aren’t just for those with ‘manager’ in their title. These skills create value in any role and can set you apart from the start of your career. Here is how to adopt these skills from your first day as a student.

When most people hear ‘leadership skills,’ they think of managers with teams reporting to them or executives making major decisions. However, leadership skills are valuable for everyone, even if you’re applying for your first role.

Leadership skills are abilities that help you guide projects, work with others, and make decisions effectively. They include:

  • Communication: expressing ideas clearly and listening well;
  • Problem-solving: finding solutions to challenges;
  • Decision-making: making good choices with available information;
  • Emotional intelligence: understanding your and others’ feelings;
  • Adaptability: responding well to change;
  • Initiative: taking action without being prompted;
  • Reliability: being someone others can count on.

How to develop your leadership skills from day one

Building leadership capabilities is a gradual process that starts with small, consistent actions. Here are practical ways to strengthen these skills from your first days in the office.

1.     Observe effective leaders

Pay attention to colleagues whose approach you admire. Notice how they lead by example, handle difficult conversations, run meetings efficiently, make decisions under pressure, motivate others, and respond to setbacks.

2.    Take initiative

Look for opportunities, no matter how small, to show initiative. Volunteer for projects that need someone to coordinate them, suggest solutions rather than just pointing out problems, follow through on commitments without reminders, and help new team members get oriented.

3.    Ask for feedback

Regular feedback helps you get better faster and demonstrates that you’re keen to improve and advance. Regular feedback helps you improve faster. Ask your manager for specific input on your communication style, request observations about how you handle challenging situations, and be open to constructive criticism about your work approach.

4.    Practice self-awareness and self-management

Before you can lead others, you need to lead yourself. Manage your time effectively, follow through on your commitments, stay organised, control your emotional reactions, and take responsibility for your mistakes.

5.    Develop your emotional intelligence

Understanding yourself and the way others feel about things is crucial. Practice recognising your emotional responses, consider situations from others’ perspectives, notice how your words and actions affect those around you, and adapt your communication style to different personalities.

Why do leadership skills matter?

Employers look for staff who can work independently and show potential. By demonstrating leadership qualities early on, you signal that you’re someone worth investing in.

Good leadership skills improve how you interact with colleagues at all levels. When you communicate clearly, listen well, and show empathy, working relationships become smoother and more productive.

Even in junior roles, you’ll likely work on projects where you need to coordinate with others, meet deadlines, and deliver results. These situations require leadership skills regardless of your job title.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start adopting these skills. So, how will you introduce leadership into your studies?

Further reading

Advance your studies with these problem solving skills

Top tips for enhancing your studies while working from home

What can I do to manage stress and anxiety while studying?

AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.

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