While there is some natural overlap between leadership and management roles, they contribute in different ways to the success of an organization. Managers focus more on the day-to-day tasks and processes that allow programs to function. This can include budgeting, planning and staff performance. Leaders, on the other hand, look for ways to inspire and motivate staff and align their work with the organization’s mission. With a long-term view, it is the leaders who set the goals and direction for an organization and are always searching for new and innovative ways to do things.
As with management, there are courses and strategies to help you develop your capabilities in leadership. But ultimately, soft skills are essential to success in this role. Here we look at which skills make successful leaders, according to global development leaders.
People are at the center of any organization and therefore should be the primary focus of its leaders. Great leaders communicate with their team members on a regular basis and in a variety of ways: one-on-one conversations, team meetings, emails or Skype calls. In the context of global development, where staff often work from different locations around the world, good communication is even more critical to build relationships and develop staff.