Leadership Essentials Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Leadership Essentials Certificate?

The Leadership Essentials Certificate program offers training in the skills that leaders need to be successful, such as the ability to influence others and develop a collaborative and productive team. 

To get a Leadership Essentials Certificate, learners complete seven required courses, including Foundations in Business Writing to improve communication skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving to manage complex issues, and Intentional Influence for practical leadership skills. Other required courses are Emotional Intelligence; Team Communications; and Managing Your Priorities, Time, and Energy.

In addition, students choose an elective to further their leadership training and enhance their capabilities. Elective options include Project Management Foundations, Presenting with Impact, Communicating Across Cultures, and Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace. These courses can help professionals develop skills essential for their roles and improve their overall leadership abilities.

What are leadership skills?

Anyone can manage people, but it takes specific skills to be a leader. Although some people are born with personality traits that make them effective in that role, anyone can develop leadership skills with proper training. Leadership often tops the list of skills employers look for when hiring staff. This skill is critical for those looking to get ahead in their current position and to advance in their careers. Regardless of the company, successful leaders possess these leadership skills:

Effective Communication. Both oral and written communication skills are important for leaders. Leaders know how to engage with people and promote inclusion and support diversity.

Critical Thinking. Leaders are able to identify problems and potential challenges, and cultivate an innovative solution. That requires effective problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Leaders look at the big picture and then break it down into smaller parts to work through problems. They analyze each solution to see how it will impact the whole.

The Ability to Motivate. There is little skill involved in just telling people what to do. Instead, true leaders influence the actions of others to motivate them to succeed. Leadership involves identifying the best people for each task and creating actionable steps. 

Emotional Intelligence. Maintaining a professional yet motivating presence is a challenge all leaders face. Leaders analyze the strengths of others and build on them to improve their performance without passing judgment. They can express themselves appropriately and communicate without bias or emotion influencing their thinking. Overly emotional interactions may lead to less than desirable outcomes.

Time Management. Poor time management distracts leaders and keeps them from managing their priorities effectively. Instead, they need to be able to stop, consider their current strategy, and refocus as necessary to make the best use of time.

Conflict Resolution. Any time people work together, there is a potential for conflict. A strong leader can analyze a situation, identify sources of conflict, and create solutions. In addition, they need to manage confrontation as it happens and control their own emotions in the process.

Why is leadership important?

People have a natural tendency to follow strong leaders. They provide guidance and minimize potential threats to productivity. They apply organizational tactics and critical thinking to improve work performance.

Leaders are vital to the functioning of an organization. They are the ones with a clear understanding of the needs of their organization and can harness each team member’s skills in a way that helps both the employees and the employer find success. Leadership is a crucial resource for organizations to help improve overall efficiency and achieve their goals. 

Source

Leadership Skills (Indeed)