Leadership has long been a revered skill both in and out of the workforce. But now, in the midst of economic pressures, increased globalisation and urgent calls for climate action, the ability to inspire, influence and drive change is a pivotal superpower.

Contrary to what some believe, leadership isn’t an exclusively inherent trait reserved for a select few. It’s a skill set that can be cultivated, honed and applied across diverse industries and roles.

This is good news because research shows companies that prioritise developing leadership skills are significantly more likely to outperform their competitors. While the vast majority of executives identify leadership development as critical to organisational success, only 14 per cent of CEOs feel they have the leadership talent needed to execute business strategies.

This gap presents an opportunity: with the right development, ambitious professionals can learn to lead effectively, a skill set that will differentiate them and solidify their pathway to long-term success.

But what does it take to become a truly effective leader? How do you develop the skills you need to succeed? From cultivating emotional intelligence and critical thinking to identifying your leadership style and investing in continuous learning, here’s your guide to honing and wielding the superpower that is strong leadership.

Can leadership skills be learned?

In short, yes. The debate of whether leaders are born or made is age-old, but the reality is that while some people naturally possess charisma and confidence, which can help inspire and empower others, strong leadership is defined by traits that can be consciously chosen and developed, not assigned at birth. These traits include accountability, integrity, creativity, innovation, commitment and passion, to name a few.

An advanced qualification from an industry-recognised institution, like Deakin University’s online Master of Leadership, gives leaders the chance to refine their existing capabilities while learning innovative approaches to leadership to keep up with an evolving workforce.

The combination of theory and practice equips professionals with the hands-on experience and expertise that can create a great leader.

What are essential leadership skills to cultivate?

Leaders are human beings, so no two are the same. However, most good leaders will display the following important skills and attributes.

Effective communication

Strong communication is a cornerstone of leadership. Clear articulation of ideas fosters trust and collaboration within teams and helps others see you as someone who knows what they’re doing. Listening actively is just as important, ensuring every team member feels heard, valued and psychologically safe in their role.

Emotional intelligence

Empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation are critical for building strong relationships, which is what effective leadership hinges on. Strong emotional intelligence (also often referred to as high EQ) is one of the fundamental traits of a good leader, as it enables them to respond effectively to team dynamics and inspire loyalty.

Critical thinking and decision-making

The ability to evaluate complex situations and make sound decisions is essential in leadership, often under pressure. Leading through challenges with confidence and clarity is integral for others to follow suit.

Adaptability and resilience

Unforeseen challenges are all but guaranteed in the working world, and agility and resilience are essential for navigating this uncertainty. Adopting a flexible leadership style that can adapt to suit different circumstances is an effective way to guide teams through inevitable challenges.

How to develop leadership skills

Developing leadership skills requires intentional action, reflection and commitment. Here’s how to get started.

Self-assessment and goal-setting

To improve yourself, you must be clear on where you’re starting from. Effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Recognising and addressing personal blind spots is a critical step toward growth, and the best leaders are on a continual journey of learning.

Once you have a clear snapshot of your current state, set challenging yet achievable goals to target specific skills. These could include enhancing communication, improving decision-making, or reading a new book each month to hone your emotional intelligence. Setting goals like this is a great way to provide structure and enable you to measure progress over time.

Seek feedback and mentorship

Feedback is a powerful and necessary tool for development of any kind. Regularly seek input from peers, supervisors, team members and mentors to understand how others perceive your leadership style.

Finding a mentor – someone who embodies the leadership qualities you admire – is one of the most effective ways to gain guidance and support. Mentors can accelerate your development by offering real-world insights and opening the door to a supportive and valuable network.

To find them, start by reaching out within your organisation. Ask your manager or HR department if there are mentorship programs in place.

Beyond your workplace, professional networking platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for connecting with industry leaders. Look for opportunities to attend industry events, or join professional associations within your field where you can meet potential mentors face-to-face. Connecting with like-minded peers through advanced courses like a Master of Leadership can also open a number of feedback routes.

Identify your leadership style

Your leadership style should align with your personality, values and professional goals, as well as your experience, feedback and areas for improvement. From transformational leadership to servant leadership, choosing and adapting your leadership style can help you harness your strengths and manage your weaknesses, as well as promote positive team culture and organisational outcomes.

Notably, multiple styles may suit the same person and different teams – so, experiment with different approaches and adapt if feedback and situational needs demand it. Effective leaders are those who leverage their style to suit both the team and the task at hand.

Invest in continuous learning

Strong leadership is an evolving skill, much like the organisations that need it and the environments in which it operates. Staying effective and relevant requires ongoing education from up-to-date, comprehensive, and industry-recognised institutions, like Deakin University, which is ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world.

Our online Master of Leadership equips students with the guided self-evaluation, workplace-based research, applied practice and feedback needed to hone differentiating leadership skills.

Designed to fit in with the demands working professionals face, the postgraduate course provides an avenue to learn and upskill, while also obtaining a tangible qualification from a leading institution.

Whether you’re an experienced leader looking to refine your existing leadership qualities or an aspiring leader who wants to certify your capabilities, investing in continuous learning is key.

Apply your leadership skills

Learning leadership skills is a fundamental first step, but it’s only the beginning. Putting them into practice in real-world scenarios is where the real growth – and real magic – happens. Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles in your workplace, whether through managing projects, mentoring colleagues or volunteering for initiatives that stretch your abilities.

Here’s another core characteristic of great leaders: They’re proactive. By looking for growth opportunities – stepping forward, applying your skills, and being willing to learn and improve – you’ll not only gain invaluable experience but also build credibility and trust within your organisation.

But, perhaps most powerfully, you’ll build confidence within yourself and your own abilities.

Harness your leadership skills with Deakin

Leadership has always been a cornerstone of organisational success, but today, it carries a new weight. As economic pressures mount, globalisation accelerates, and calls for action on critical global challenges intensify, strong leadership is no longer just an asset – it’s a necessity.

While some may see it as an innate talent, the truth is that leadership is a craft that can be cultivated by anyone willing to invest in their growth with the right mindset and tools.

The gap between the demand for effective leaders and the supply of leadership talent presents a unique opportunity for professionals willing to step up. Companies that prioritise leadership development outperform their competitors, which means individuals who actively refine their skills position themselves for long-term success.

By building skills like communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and adaptability and discovering the leadership style that resonates with your team and approach, you can transform your ability to lead with purpose and impact.

A future-led postgraduate course like Deakin University’s online Master of Leadership is designed to empower exactly that. Designed for ambitious current and future leaders, the advanced course equips students with the expertise, frameworks and hands-on experience needed to elevate their abilities and transform your potential into influence.

If you want to learn leadership the smarter way, Deakin’s online Master of Leadership will help you build your existing skills and mindset to elevate you for leadership success.

Learn more or reach out to a Course Adviser today.