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12 Examples of Academic Skills (Plus Tips To Improve Them)

12 Examples of Academic Skills (Plus Tips To Improve Them)

Updated August 10, 2023

Academic success often relies on a particular skill set that helps people study, retain and apply
information. The skills developed while in school are also useful when you're entering the
workplace. Understanding how they support your career can help you achieve your goals.

In this article, we discuss what academic skills are, explain why they're important and provide a list
of common academic skills to improve for both academic and professional success.

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What are academic skills?

Academic skills are the abilities, strategies and habits that can help learners succeed in an academic
setting. They generally build on students' mastery of literacy and technical subjects like mathematics
and science. Developing academic skills may help improve the ability to learn, take tests, interact
with other students and complete projects. Many of these skills also apply to other parts of life,
particularly professional settings.

Examples of academic skills include:

Written and verbal communication

Listening

Note-taking

Reasoning

Technical literacy

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Importance of academic skills

Academic skills are important because they can increase your productivity and success at school.
Beyond helping you earn the academic credentials you may need to enter the workforce, many skills
are also transferrable to the workplace.

For example, learning to complete multiple assignments, work in teams and process information
quickly is beneficial to your career. Developing and expanding on your academic skill set may
prepare you for your future career and help improve your overall performance.

Do you need help with your resume?

12 academic skills that apply to the workplace

Here are 12 academic skills and how they can help you in your future career:

1. Time management

Time management is the ability to organize and schedule your time efficiently. In school, you
might've used these skills to study more effectively or devote sufficient time to working on several
assignments. While working, you may often have deadlines, and understanding how to manage your
schedule can help increase your productivity.

Tip: Try to keep a planner or set timers to improve your time management skills.

Read more: Time-Management Skills: Definition and Examples

2. Research skills
Academic assignments, like projects or essays, often require students to conduct research. These
skills involve knowing the questions you want to answer, finding credible sources and using effective
search strategies. Careers in journalism, analysis and even some medical fields all benefit from well-
developed research skills.

Tip: Learn how to recognize what an authoritative source is and be open to unexpected findings.

3. Reading comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand information you've read. This skill can help you
study for tests, perform research and write papers. In the workplace, you may use these skills to
understand written instructions, gather information or communicate with colleagues.

Tip: You can improve your reading comprehension skills by reading books and articles, taking
language arts classes and increasing your vocabulary.

Related: 7 Simple Strategies To Improve Your Reading Comprehension

4. Computer skills

Understanding how computers function can improve your performance at school and work. You may
use a computer to draft written assignments, create graphics, perform research and use software.

Tip: Consider taking a computer skills class to enhance your basic computer knowledge.

Read more: Computer Skills: Definitions and Examples

5. Self-discipline

Self-discipline is the ability to motivate yourself. Much like time management, effective self-
discipline can help you focus and prioritize your tasks. Many jobs involve working independently or
with limited supervision, so improving your self-discipline may allow you to work in solitary
conditions effectively.

Tip: Setting goals and using organizational techniques, such as planners or to-do lists, may help you
stay focused and motivated.

Read more: Self-Discipline: Definition and Examples

6. Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that helps you effectively analyze information. It allows you to solve
problems and understand concepts. In the workplace, you may come across challenges or urgent
situations that require you to use critical thinking to address them.

Tip: To develop your critical-thinking skills, try mindfulness techniques, learning more about your
field or using apps that focus on improving these skills.

7. Group work
Many classes assign group projects or other activities where you have to collaborate with other
students. Learning how to work productively in a group can improve your communication,
leadership and conflict resolution skills. In your career, you may work on projects that involve a team
or other departments.

Tip: Try practicing your collaboration skills by volunteering or participating in extracurricular

activities.

Related: Collaboration Skills: Definition and Examples

8. Presentation and public speaking skills

Presentation skills are a group of abilities that allow you to give an oral presentation confidently and
effectively. These skills include knowing how to use eye contact and body language to your
advantage, engage in assertive communication and create helpful presentation materials, likes slides
or printed documents.

Tip: You can improve your presentation skills by taking a public speaking course or practicing in front
of friends or family and asking for feedback.

Related: How To Improve Your Presentation Skills

9. Writing

Strong writing skills can improve your ability to take notes, produce essays and communicate. Many
jobs communicate primarily through written channels such as emails, memos and progress reports.
Writing clearly and effectively can help you express your opinions and may even improve your
collaboration skills.

Tip: Consider taking a class or workshop or reading guides to strengthen your writing.

10. Goal planning

Learning how to set and manage achievable goals can help you focus and may improve your
productivity. You can use goal planning skills to create and monitor your goals for both work and
school environments.

Tip: Try to learn about SMART goals or other techniques to help develop your goal-setting skills.

11. Taking constructive criticism

While in school, teachers critique your work to determine whether you understand the material. In
your career, supervisors and managers may give performance reviews or comment on your job
performance as you work. The ability to process and respond effectively to constructive criticism can
help you maintain positive relationships and learn to use that feedback for self-improvement.

Tip: Asking questions, using active listening techniques and learning to control your emotions can
help you accept criticism.

Read more: How To Accept Criticism

12. Multitasking

Multitasking is the ability to work on several projects at once. In an academic setting, you can use
these skills to complete assignments for all of your classes. In the workplace, you may have multiple
responsibilities and tasks. Improving your ability to prioritize, organize and perform these tasks can
increase your chances of success.

Tip: You can read articles about multitasking techniques or take organizational skills courses to
develop these skills.

Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good impression in
interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills
and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual
differences in communication styles.

 

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INDIA
Is education the most important step in the development of the country?

January 4, 2020, 11:22 PM IST Raghav Bansal in Voices, India, TOI

FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN EMAIL

Raghav Bansal Raghav Bansal

It is proved that a country’s development is primarily based on its people and its resources.
However, it ultimately depends on the people only, as to what extent they can use the scarce
resources efficiently in order to achieve a rapid rate of development and breakthroughs in
innovation. As people play the most important role in shaping the status of the country; education is
responsible for shaping a person. Therefore, education is the backbone of any country, it plays a
crucial role in technological developments and imparts various skills, values, and awareness. If a
country has a higher literacy rate, it will lead to a lower unemployment rate and greater GDP
growth. Today, countries face various issues including terrorism, discrimination, global warming,
poverty, and gender inequality. Proper education for everyone can eradicate these problems from
its roots and would lead to a better country with higher standards of living. In the long term,
education reaps greater benefits, educated kids today will develop a very civilized and moral society
tomorrow. The human mind has a great potential to achieve radical developments in society. To
reap the benefits of the human mind, education is the most important step to work on. It is an
investment which is crucial for development of every being. Education has the ability to transform a
person and provide a perspective to see their lives from a different view. Some might argue that
health is a more important step for the development of a country as only a healthy population could
be efficient and productive. However, education is required to be healthy and disease-free.
Education imparts awareness which is essential for being healthy and productive. Education provides
solutions to major problems and gradually has the potential to eliminate all the concerns which
every person face today. Education gives the ability to turn information into knowledge which is
essential for solving problems and developing analytical skills. An educated person possesses various
diverse skills, is healthy, and knows what’s best for him/her and the society. Proper education
eradicates crime rates, poverty, unemployment, diseases, etc. from the country. Moreover,
education is fundamental for peace and prosperity. Government of each country should emphasise
on education. There must be laws for mandatory education till certain age which could make every
individual aware of the basic living in society. Government could also either subsidize or provide free
education to the parents who cannot afford to send their children to school. Many countries do not
promote education for women despite the fact that they can be 50% of the total workforce. United

Nations have emphasised on the importance of education and one of the Millennium Development
Goal (MDG) is to provide universal primary quality education to all. It is estimated that today, 250
million children do not have access to primary education. These children are the future and will be
responsible for the development of the nation. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most
powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Countries today compete on literacy
rates which ultimately leads to higher economic growth and economic development. Education has
great potential to change the world when a society is educated, there is a great allocative and
productive efficiency with rapid rates of development. No one can take education away from a
person, it will always help and reap benefits. Parents should provide their children with best possible
education as an investment which will only benefit the whole society in the future. Thus, education
is the most important step in the development of a country and everyone must promote it to the
greatest levels.

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DISCLAIMER

Views expressed above are the author’s own.

END OF ARTICLE

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Quality Education · Economic Growth

Education and Economic Development: Exploring Their Symbiotic Bond

By GGI Insights | February 19, 2024

Education and economic development are deeply connected. Education provides individuals with
the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic
growth. A well-educated population is essential for the development of a strong and competitive
economy. Education also plays a vital role in reducing poverty and promoting social mobility.

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Education is essential in economic development because it plays a crucial role in developing human
capital, a population’s knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to economic growth. In
addition, a well-educated population is more likely to be productive and innovative, which can drive
economic growth and development.

Investment in quality education can also positively impact economic development by increasing the
efficiency and productivity of the labor force. Educated workers are often more skilled and able to
adapt to changing job markets, which can improve the competitiveness of a country’s economy.

Additionally, education can help to reduce poverty and inequality by providing individuals with the
skills and knowledge they need to participate in the workforce and improve their economic
opportunities.

The Value of Education to Economic Development

Education is an integral part of economic development in many regions. It helps to provide a skilled
workforce and encourages innovation, which can create new opportunities and support businesses.
Investing in education can also lead to increased productivity and improved standards of living.

Investing in education can create a highly skilled workforce that can better understand the needs of
businesses, design solutions tailored to those needs, and increase overall productivity. Education
inspires creativity, expands knowledge, encourages cognitive skills, and develops problem-solving
abilities.
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This leads to increased levels of innovation, providing businesses with much-needed access to new
ideas and technologies that increase their competitive edge. It allows individuals to improve their
lives through higher wages, better jobs, and improved quality of life.

Education significantly impacts economic development as it promotes economic growth by providing

individuals with additional skills and greater access to resources that foster positive change within
communities. In addition, by investing in education, governments can create a more educated
society that is better equipped for the future. This drives economic growth and helps reduce
inequality by providing people from all backgrounds with equal opportunities for success in their
chosen profession or field of study.

The Connection Between Education and Economic Development

The connection between education and economic development can be defined directly and
indirectly. Directly, educated citizens are more employable, allowing them to take higher value-
added roles in the labor force that spur increased GDP output and improved living standards.

Indirectly, education also creates positive externalities in society by improving general knowledge,
promoting innovation, creating new businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and increasing health
outcomes through better access to healthcare information.

In addition to generating public goods such as increased productivity and technological

improvements, education may act as an instrument of social equity when opportunities for higher
education are made accessible to everyone from all backgrounds, regardless of race or gender.
Access to quality primary education can reduce the wealth gap between the rich and poor by
providing those disadvantaged with greater mobility into the middle class.
How Investing in Education Improves the Quality of Life

Education is one of the essential investments a society can make. Education helps to create more
productive citizens and boosts gross domestic product, which can improve the quality of life for
everyone in a community. Investing in education can also result in fewer crime rates, as studies have
shown that individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to commit crimes.

Furthermore, educational investment leads to better job prospects with more significant earning
potential, enabling individuals to support themselves and their families financially. Finally, investing
in secondary education helps create an educated population with access to knowledge and
resources that enable them to solve daily problems, helping contribute to social progress and
improved quality of life.

How Education Can Reduce Poverty and Inequality

Education is an essential factor in reducing poverty and inequality. It provides people with the skills
and knowledge necessary to get better jobs and higher wages, enabling them to escape poverty.
Education also strengthens social mobility, allowing individuals to climb the socioeconomic ladder
through merit rather than birth or luck.

Additionally, education can create a more equitable society by broadening individuals’ access to
opportunities such as higher career-track jobs and improved healthcare. As a result, it can help
bridge gaps between the rich and the poor while teaching individuals valuable life skills that they can
use to navigate the world around them.

Primary education empowers people with knowledge of their rights, helping them fight against
systemic oppression that keeps them in poverty. Education can reduce poverty and inequality in
societies by educating citizens about their rights and giving them more job opportunities.

Employment and Wages

The economic growth of a country can be attributed mainly to the education its citizens receive.
Education can positively affect the quality of life and job market outcomes for individuals, as those
with higher educational attainment are likely to find more opportunities and higher wages in their
careers, as witnessed in the United States after the Great Depression. When more people are
educated, they have the skills and knowledge they need to secure employment, resulting in
increased productivity, which can contribute to increased GDP, wages, and salaries.
Employers may be willing to pay more for qualified employees who possess college degrees, which
can also help lead to an increase in wages. In addition, increasing education levels can lead to
technological advances that create new jobs and stimulate long-term economic growth.

Education also helps equip individuals with problem-solving skills that allow them to analyze
complex details quickly and efficiently. This enables them to make quick decisions on how best to
handle a situation or task, leading to better outcomes for organizations and wage increases for those
who provide a valuable service.

Having access to school end education provides individuals with the opportunity for social mobility,
which allows them to rise the socio-economic ladder over time if they take advantage of their
newfound knowledge.

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Improved Access to Healthcare and Public Services

As the access to healthcare and public services is often determined by income, education can be a
powerful tool for improving access. School attainment can increase an individual’s earning potential,
enabling them to afford healthcare or other services.

Education can help individuals understand their options for accessing these services through private
insurers, public assistance programs, or charitable organizations.

Educating on the importance of preventative care and healthy lifestyle habits can improve general
health outcomes.

Education can help individuals become aware of their rights related to healthcare and other public
services, allowing them to take steps to protect themselves if their rights are infringed upon.

Education is a powerful tool for improving access to healthcare and other public services, not just as
a means to obtain better-paying jobs that enable individuals to afford such services. Still, education
also provides individuals with necessary information about their options for accessing such services.
Education can give individuals the knowledge to make informed decisions about enrolling in private
insurance plans or participating in a public assistance program. With knowledge of preventative care
and healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can take responsibility for their health outcomes and be
more likely to utilize available medical resources when needed.

Why Investing in Education Should Be a Priority

Education should be a priority for societies worldwide, as it has countless long-term rewards for
people and their communities. Education produces more enlightened citizens who can play an
essential part in contributing to society’s growth and prosperity.

Those with a greater degree of learning are more likely to acquire higher-paying jobs, resulting in
increased economic development for their nation and improved quality of schools.

Studies have also shown that individuals with quality education obtain the necessary qualifications
to become fruitful members of society and access better job opportunities and more substantial
financial security. Moreover, education is critical in generating social solidarity by making citizens
aware of their shared values, beliefs, and customs.

It promotes understanding between those from diverse backgrounds and encourages mutual
respect irrespective of race or ethnicity. Besides that, tertiary education further stimulates the
acquisition of essential life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and
collaboration.

These are all indispensable attributes needed for adequate citizenship in today’s environment.
Investing in education brings significant advantages on a broader international scale; educated
populations can work together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing difficulties, such as
reducing poverty and protecting the planet’s environment.

How to Improve Education and Literacy Levels

To strengthen the education system and advance literacy, a number of measures must be taken. To
start, increased funding should be allocated to ensure that educators are equipped with the
necessary resources to provide quality instruction to students.
Further, technology should be utilized to enhance the learning experience, and early childhood
education should be a priority to set children on a path to prosperity. Furthermore, cultivating a
culture of lifelong learning is essential for individuals to better their skills over time.

Providing access to literacy programs and resources can improve the overall literacy level of a
community. Education must be made more accessible for all individuals, regardless of income or
background, to reduce educational disparities.

Contribution of Education to National Development

Education plays a vital role in national development as it helps to develop a country’s human capital,
which is the population’s knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to economic growth. A well-
educated population is more likely to be productive, innovative, and able to adapt to changing labor
markets, which can drive economic growth and development.

Investment in education can also positively impact national development by reducing poverty and
inequality. Education can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in
the workforce and improve their economic opportunities, reducing poverty and promoting social
mobility.

Education is also vital for the social and cultural development of a country. It can help to promote
understanding and tolerance among different groups, and it can foster critical thinking and civic
engagement, which are essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy.

Conclusion

It is evident that investing in education must be seen as a top priority for any society wishing to
achieve long-term economic impact. Education increases labor productivity, expands earning
opportunities, and bolsters a country’s human capital. An educated workforce is better equipped to
embrace technological advancement, harness new business concepts, and benefit from foreign
investment.

The areas to benefit include:

Creating job opportunities.

Augmenting consumer spending power.

Providing businesses with talented employees who can hold their own in the global economy.

Therefore, education is an essential component of economic development and should be heavily

invested in by countries seeking lasting growth.

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QUESTIONS 1

Research is often seen as the epitome of critical thinking. Research requires one to ask critical
questions, evaluate evidence, and ultimately, draw conclusions and provide recommendations. This
entails individuals to think critically about a wide range of issues. One of the many functions of a
leader is to be able to not only think critically but also encourage critical thinking. Therefore, it is
these research skills that are essential for effective leadership.

Leadership skills in the workplace can make or break an organisation. For instance, the outdated
authoritarian leadership style can destroy employee morale and the organisations bottom line [1][2].
In today’s complex world, leaders are expected to build employee wellness, morale, resilience, and
productivity which all contribute to an organisation’s bottom line. Furthermore, leaders need to
make sound decisions based on limited information. They need to be able to think critically about
the challenges they face and develop creative solutions. They also need to be able to communicate
their ideas effectively to others.

Seasoned researchers bring a unique set of skills to the table as they possess the ability to think
critically, communicate effectively, and motivate others. These set of skills make them valuable
assets to any organisation. Let’s explore how critical thinking skills can facilitate leaders to be more
effective:

Problem-Solving: Research is conducted to solve complex problems. To find a solution, you need to
define the problem first. Researchers are able to identify the root cause of a problem and develop
creative solutions. This skill is essential for effective leadership, as leaders are often faced with
difficult challenges. Leaders need to be able to ask the right questions to quickly get to the heart of
an issue [3][4].

Decision-making: Research requires individuals to make sound decisions based on limited

information. Good researchers don’t get stuck in an analysis-paralysis but are skilled at finding
actionable insights. They are able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make the best
decision for the situation. This skill is essential for effective leadership, as leaders need to make quick
and informed decisions. Leaders need to consolidate feedback from multiple sources and find the
right information to drive action [4][5].

Innovation/Creativity: Researchers are taught to seek out interesting anomalies. They will seek
problems that organisations did not know existed and be the first to identify new opportunities.
Researchers will look in unexpected places and find new sources of information. This skill is essential
for effective leadership, as leaders need to identify challenges and/or opportunities that have not
been considered. Leaders need to be curious, innovative, and creative [4].

Communication: Researchers are skilled at communicating their ideas effectively to others – whether
this is written or oral communication. They are able to explain complex concepts in a clear and
concise way. This skill is essential for effective leadership, as leaders need to be able to communicate
their vision to others and inspire them to follow. Leaders need to communicate their ideas in a way
that is persuasive and convincing [3][4].

Research skills provide different perspectives especially working with others and being able to
cultivate their own strengths to further strengthen the team/s. It provides communication skills and
cultural sensitivity. In short, possessing critical thinking skills makes for effective leaders. They are
able to think critically, communicate effectively, solve complex problems and provide innovative
solutions, and motivate others. These skills are not only essential for success in today’s complex
world but are in shortage. The Critical Scarce Skills (2022) report shows complex problem-solving
skills, systems skills and resource management skills are in great shortage in South Africa. By
developing these research skills, leaders can make significant contributions to understanding the
world and the betterment of society.

Burns, W.A. 2017. A descriptive literature review of harmful leadership styles: Definitions,
commonalities, measurements, negative impacts, and ways to improve these harmful leadership
styles. Creighton Journal of Interdisciplinary Leadership, 3(1): 33–52.
Madhanga, C.S.M. 2018. An Investigation into Various Leadership Styles and the Impact on Employee
Performance at Subtech Group in Kwazulu-Natal: A Case Study. Unpublished master’s thesis.
Durban: Durban University of Technology.

Loving Life. [website]. The Power of Critical Thinking for Employee Wellbeing and Life
Transformation. Retrieved from https://lovinglifeco.com/employee-wellbeing/the-power-of-critical-
thinking-for-employee-wellbeing-and-life-transformation/

Baldoni, J. 2010. How Leaders Should Think Critically. Harvard Business Review. [website]. Retrieved
from https://hbr.org/2010/01/how-leaders-should-think-criti

Abreu, J., Baker, S. & Jayson-Polk, R. 2017. The Organizational Handbook to Promote Critical Thinking
and Decision Making. Fischler College of Education: Student Articles, 19. Retrieved from:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_stuarticles/19

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Career Guide

Career Development

Communication Skills In Leadership: Importance And Benefits

Communication Skills In Leadership: Importance And Benefits

Updated 15 January 2024

Strong communication skills enable leaders to provide necessary information and direction to their
teams. They may use a broad range of communication techniques to strengthen interpersonal
understanding and enhance morale and professionalism. By understanding how crucial
communication is for leading your team members and increasing productivity, you can take specific
steps to improve your skills. In this article, we discuss the importance of communication skills in
leadership, learn the benefits of communication skills for leaders and explore some ways to develop
your communication skills.

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Importance Of Communication Skills In Leadership

Communication skills in leadership are important as they enable you to take responsibility for your
team and convey your message in clear, unambiguous terms. With excellent communication, you
can set the tone for your workplace and make it easier for your team members to understand your
work expectations. It may also help you create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable
expressing themselves and getting feedback.

If you are leading a team with multiple employees or multiple teams working on diverse projects,
leadership communication skills become even more crucial. You can ensure that the teams know
their work goals and continue working towards these as per the established plan and on schedule. It
may also help you communicate instructions and feedback across teams clearly.

Related: A Guide To The 7 C's Of Communication

Benefits Of Communication Skills For Leaders

Leadership communication skills can be beneficial for achieving the following:

Improving team morale

Positive team morale can make a significant difference in the workplace environment, and you can
achieve it by communicating regularly and clearly with your team members. With a combination of
good leadership and communication skills, you can inform the team of what you expect from them
and provide the guidance and direction they require to complete their work. When the team
members find their work satisfactory, they are likely to enjoy their job and have better morale
overall.

Related: Motivation At Work: How To Motivate Employees In Their Jobs

Enhancing productivity

Good communication skills for leaders bring the benefit of raising productivity levels of the team.
You can discuss project-related matters and help the team understand their assigned work. You can
provide guidance and motivational messages to inspire them to do better. When they realise the
value of their contribution to the overall project, they may put in more work, which can enhance
workplace productivity.

Boosting efficiency

By communicating the project goals and schedule to your team members, you can ensure everyone
understands their role in the project. You can let them know what they require to do and when.
They are then likely to be more efficient in completing the work and on schedule. With the focus on
specific work activities, it may be possible to save on time, money and other resources.

Facilitating internal communication

As the team leader, you can set the tone for communication within the team. When you are clear
about your expectations and encourage the team members to express their opinions and provide
their inputs, they are likely to follow your lead and become more open in their interpersonal
communication. That can enable them to collaborate better within the team.

Related: Communication Skills: Definitions And Examples

Ensuring workplace transparency

Workplace transparency is desirable since it facilitates the sharing of internal information. It makes it
possible for everyone to stay informed regarding work projects, opportunities, assignments and
progress. With strong communication skills in leadership, you can ensure workplace transparency
and help everyone in the team to understand the project, its goals and the outcome the company
expects. That can enable your team members to evaluate their options and make informed decisions
that may benefit them and the company.

Related: What Is Grapevine Communication? (With Definition And Types)

Ways to develop communication skills

You may develop effective leadership and communication skills by adopting the following
suggestions:

Be authentic

People can sense when you are being authentic, and they may then be more willing to listen to you.
This can enable you to build genuine relationships with them and form strong bonds. When you get
along well with your team members and colleagues, it can improve communication within your
department and throughout the company. People may be more open to expressing themselves with
you and seeking your feedback in work matters.

Practise active listening

When you communicate with your team members, be sure to give them your complete attention
and listen to what they are saying. If you do not understand anything, ask them to rephrase the
matter and ask relevant questions for further clarification. It can also help to enquire if they have any
questions for you or would like you to re-explain any work issues.

Cultivate empathy

Along with getting to know your team members well, you can communicate better with them by
being empathetic. Cultivating empathy can also help you communicate with people you do not know
but require interacting with for business purposes. Empathy can enable you to be more sensitive
towards other people and gauge their feelings more accurately. You can then use a communication
style that is likely to resonate with them and allow you to work together effectively.

Lead by personal example

As a leader, you may set the tone and direction of interpersonal relations in the workplace. If you are
reliable and practice open, clear communication, your team may take the cue from you and model
their communication techniques on yours. That means if you are effective in your communication,
your team is likely to get better at it, too.

Be available and approachable

For effective workplace communication, it is essential that you remain present in the office during
the project and be available to your team whenever they want to discuss work with you. When you
encourage the team to approach and speak with you, they may feel comfortable coming to you for
guidance and feedback. They may also be willing to offer suggestions and help you find new
solutions for project-related issues. Open communication can improve their performance levels and
overall work productivity.

Adapt your communication style

When interacting with your team members, it may help to study how each person communicates
and prefers others to communicate with them. For instance, some team members may require you
to give them detailed explanations, and others may respond better to a brief overview. By adapting
your communication style to suit each individual, you can reach a better mutual understanding. It
may make it easier to influence them and achieve the project and company goals.

Prioritise information to share

While you may have access to a great amount of project-related information as the project leader, it
may not necessarily be in the project's best interest to share it all at once. So, when working on a
project, it is up to you to decide which information you want to convey to your team. By prioritising
essential information at the right time, you can provide your team members with the exact
knowledge they require for doing their work.

You can also choose how much you wish to share, when and in which stages. That way, you can
avoid overburdening or confusing them with information that is not crucial at that stage. You can
provide it when necessary as the project progresses.

Communicate consistently

Being consistent in your professional communication with your team members can ensure that you
remain in regular touch with them regarding the project work. Depending on your preference, you
can communicate with them in person in one-on-one sessions or at group meetings by phone, video
conferencing, email, text messages and memos. Along with formal communication, you can also
have informal conversations in the workplace to discuss work issues and provide work assessments.

Related: How To Improve Communication Skills

Provide work examples

For some projects, especially if they are complex, it may be necessary to communicate your
expectations by showing the team examples of previous or related work. Referencing such samples
can help the team members see how you want the project to proceed and the expected result. They
can ask you relevant questions to further understand what you want and do the required work.
Ensure fair and impartial treatment

It is essential to maintain an impartial attitude and be fair to everybody when interacting with your
team members. You can communicate your expectations clearly to your team and let them know
they are being assigned their tasks as per their abilities to meet the project requirements. You can
also announce performance-based rewards to deserving team members. When people realise you
value their work and acknowledge their contributions, they are likely to work harder and become
more involved in meeting project goals.

Share project feedback

After completing projects, you can meet with your team members to discuss what went right with
the work and the things you can improve. You can discuss the work details that the team requires
paying more attention to and the new skills they may acquire. By providing honest and tactful
feedback, you can motivate the team to work better on future projects.

Related: Key Communications Manager Skills for Indian Jobseekers

 

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GREAT LEADERS ARE TECHNICAL

Home » Blog » Great Leaders Are Technical

“Technical skill is mastery of complexity”

– Christopher Zeeman

A leader with a technical orientation is one who demonstrates technical proficiency or expertise
acquired through education, training, or experience. Typically, a leader will gain technical skills
before they are promoted to a leadership role. The expectation for such leaders is that they will
maintain their technical skill while also developing their leadership skills throughout their careers.
One of the key factors that separates leaders from managers is the commitment to continuous
learning and growth. As such, technical orientation is an important qualifier and essential to
leadership success.
Having a technical orientation can benefit leaders in a variety of ways. First, leaders are more
confident when they command a basic understanding of the work of their direct reports. Studies
have shown a significant correlation between technical competence and confidence among
leaders.1 Second, leaders are better able to organize, delegate, and manage tasks when they
understand how much time, knowledge, or experience each job entails. Third, leaders with a
technical orientation are better able to engage with their team. They may take part in meetings, help
problem-solve, offer advice, and stimulate critical thinking.2 As such, leaders with a strong technical
orientation are also more likely to gain the respect of their team and build credibility.3

In assessing your technical orientation, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I committed to keeping my technical skills up-to-date?

Do I seek out informal and formal on-the-job learning opportunities?

Do I understand the work that my team does on a daily basis?

Am I able to ask guiding questions about my team’s work?

Can I troubleshoot, stimulate creativity, and identify possible solutions?

Improve Your Technical Orientation

Use it or lose it. Because leaders often rise through the ranks, most don’t need to acquire new
technical skills, they just need to maintain their old ones. This can be difficult when leaders are
exercising their soft skills on a daily basis, but no longer use their technical skills on the job. Read
articles or subscribe to industry magazines in order to learn about what is happening in your field.
Even if you are no longer doing the work yourself, you can be involved in the work of others –
particularly your own team.

Be involved with your team. One of the best ways to maintain and refine your technical skills is to be
involved in what your team is doing. Attend team meetings, ask guiding questions, and learn from
your direct reports. Work alongside your team when help is needed, and try filling in for them. This
will give you first-hand experience with the technical elements that are unique to your department,
help you build strong relationships, and gain the loyalty and trust of your team.

Stay up to date. While soft skills are relatively timeless, technical expertise is constantly growing and
evolving. Stay ahead of the game by setting yourself a goal to learn something new each year, each
month, and each week. This can be both inside and outside of work. Cultivate the spirit of a lifelong
learner by picking up a new hobby or trying something you’ve never done before. At work, stay up-
to-date by reading books, attending seminars, taking a course, and finding other ways to invest in
your professional development.

Start Doing These 3 Thinks Now to become a Better Technical Leader

Talk to an expert: One of the best ways to grow your technical skills is to talk to an expert. Find the
SMEs in your organization and shadow them for a day. While leaders should have some technical
skills, it makes sense that their team will eventually surpass them. This is particularly true of SMEs,
who stay in technical positions rather than moving to managerial roles. In the words of Jack Ma,
Chinese business magnate, “A leader should never compare [their] technical skills with [their]
employee’s. Your employee should have superior technical skills than you. If [they don’t] … you have
hired the wrong person.” Therefore, the quickest and easiest way to develop relevant technical skills
is to start with the experts on your own team.

Subscribe to technical sites and magazines: In addition to learning from your team, there are various
free online sources of technical information. Subscribing to these resources is an inexpensive way of
keeping up with the latest trends and developments. Examples of technical sites include
TechCrunch, CNET, Mashable, and Engadget.4 Try setting yourself a goal to read one article each
day, or spend half an hour each week learning about what’s new in your field.

Take a course: There are many free webinars and online courses you can take to brush up your
technical skills. Often, professional designations will have continuing education or professional
development requirements to maintain certification. If you hold a professional designation, such as
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), set
yourself a goal to maintain your designation and complete the required education, even if you’ve
progressed to a managerial position. This will help you stay up-to-date with changes in the industry
and be a stronger technical leader. If you do not hold a professional designation, set a goal to exceed
your educational requirements and find small ways to tune-up your technical skills and develop new
ones.

Resources

WATCH: The Most In-Demand Technical Skills – And How to Develop Them

READ: Leading People When They Know More than You Do

DEVELOP: Develop your ability to become an inspirational role model by taking advantage of
SIGMA’s coaching services.

Download the PDF Guide

Contact Us
Contact SIGMA for coaching on developing your skills as a leader.

SIGMA Assessment Systems, Inc.

Email: support@SigmaHR.com

Call: 800-265-1285

Helen Schreyer

About the Author

HELEN SCHROEDER

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Helen completed a dual degree with Ivey Business School’s HBA program and Western University’s
Honours Specialization in Psychology. As a Marketing Coordinator and Consultant she creates and
manages content for SIGMA’s webpages, blogs, and coaching resources. Helen also assists in new
product development, go-to-market strategy, and client consultation.

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