Author: ICAEW Insights Published: 30 Jul 2021 Leadership skills Are leaders born or made? While some people might naturally be drawn to management roles, good leadership is a combination of skills that anyone can master. 1. Strategic thinking Good leaders see the big picture: they know where they want to get to, and how they’re going to get there. They have the ability to create an inspiring vision, ensure it is achievable, and communicate it effectively to get buy-in from others. Rather than getting distracted by the details, they focus on setting the overall direction, and make confident, good-quality decisions, even under pressure. Good organization and forward planning skills are key: assessing resources, setting goals and assigning tasks to others. 2. Delegation Delegation can be difficult, but great leaders know how to do it well, helping others feel involved and invested, and keeping them motivated. Delegating effectively is not about getting rid of the jobs you don’t enjoy; it’...