The word “leader” is oftentimes misunderstood. When we think of a leader, images of a militant boss we used to work for who always talked and never listened may pop into our minds. But in the workforce, leadership skills should be mastered by everyone, not just by the CEO or manager.  

Focus on resolution and moving things forward -- not the past

We all have that friend, the one who keeps bringing up that mistake you did five years ago and you won’t hear the end of it. Don’t be that friend. Focus on moving things forward. People mess up, but lingering on mistakes won’t solve anything. Think of colleagues as your partners. In order to get things done, they need to feel validated and be given the resources they need. Blame and keeping gripes may make you feel superior, but it will alienate others. Focus on solving the problem at hand, and hold meetings to delegate which tasks go to whom. Ask people what they want to focus on, and you might be surprised by how much more productive they are when they’re doing what they love!

Do what you have to do while still caring about the team at play

A sports team is a good example of how different team members work together. Players have different roles, but they come together for a mutual goal. Keep this in mind when you’re interacting with colleagues. You want to stay on track with your assignments, but remember what others are working on and try to accommodate them.

Make things happen despite problems of all kinds; failure isn’t an option

People who make things happen in life have a different attitude than people who stagnate. At the end of a long week, you might want to unwind and switch off that brain, but people who are dedicated to their creative outlet of business think, “what do I need to do next?” Problems are everywhere: not enough hours in the day, children need to be fed and you have to meet with a potential investor. If you want to make things happen, you have to prioritize when it comes to what is important to you. Whether you are an artist or an entrepreneur, find the time for your endeavors; if not, make the time!

Becoming a successful leader is an invaluable process that will benefit you your entire career. Many managers look for leadership qualities in candidates, which tells them that this person will lead others down the line. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional, fine-tuning your leadership skills is always a good idea!