Nine leadership skills to master in 2024

Leadership programs are invaluable resources for individuals seeking to develop and refine their leadership competencies.

Whether you're an aspiring professional looking to step into a leadership role or a seasoned executive aiming to enhance your leadership qualities, participating in leadership development programs will offer rewards. 

Beyond theoretical knowledge, leadership training programs provide practical skills and insights that are essential for effective leadership in today's dynamic world.

Critical thinking

Successful leaders have the ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying issues, and make informed decisions, often with huge amounts of data to consider. Critical thinking enables leaders to assess situations objectively, challenge assumptions, and devise innovative solutions to problems. 
 
Learning critical thinking skills involves a combination of active engagement, practice, and exposure to different perspectives. Consider AGSM’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management, which provides participants with applied, critical thinking and application skills for effective strategy implementation.

Strategic thinking

Strategic thinking involves setting long-term goals, devising comprehensive plans, and aligning resources to achieve organisational objectives. Strategic thinkers envision possibilities, identify opportunities, and weigh potential risks to develop innovative strategies that position their organisation for sustainable growth and success. 

AGSM’s MBAX (General) program offers courses in Strategy (AGSM6143), Digital Strategy (AGSM9152), Implementing Strategy (AGSM9153), and a Strategic Consulting Project (AGSM9155). AGSM’s MBAX program is ranked 1st in Australia and is globally ranked in the top 10 global online MBA programs according to the QS 2023 Online MBA Rankings and The Financial Times (UK) 2024 Online MBA Rankings.

Effective communication

Communication lies at the heart of leadership. Leaders must communicate their vision, goals, and expectations clearly and concisely to inspire and align their teams. Moreover, active listening is equally essential, fostering an environment where ideas are valued, and concerns are addressed constructively.

Designed to equip a new generation of leaders, AGSM’s Graduate Certificate in Leadership program develops participants’ complex thinking and communication skills. Positioned for success, graduates will have the confidence to make effective decisions and articulate solutions in a range of business contexts.

Emotional intelligence

Empathy, self-awareness, and social skills are hallmarks of emotional intelligence. Leaders who possess high emotional intelligence can understand and manage their emotions effectively, navigate interpersonal relationships confidently, and maintain a positive work culture that represents productivity and well-being.

AGSM’s MBA (Executive) program features four Executive Year courses, one being the Executive Accelerator (MBAE7501). The Executive Accelerator includes two mini-electives of your choice (from a prescribed list), to be completed during the Executive Year. Participants can choose to study the Leading with Emotional Intelligence course as one of the mini electives. This is a two-day, face-to-face short course available at UNSW’s Sydney CBD campus. Participants learn how to develop a growth mindset, lead with greater self-awareness, psychological energy, and behavioural agility. Additionally, they will learn to identify triggers to better manage stress, empathise with others and communicate with clarity.

Negotiation and influence

Dealing with stakeholders, clients, or team members requires effective negotiation and influence skills. The ability to collaborate, persuade, and resolve conflicts amicably are essential skills for leaders to drive mutually beneficial outcomes.

To better understand the dynamics of the negotiation process and gain an appreciation of the negotiator role, look at the Negotiation Skills (AGSM9712) course offered as an elective course within AGSM’s MBA (Executive) program.

Decision making and problem solving

Leaders are the decision makers. Often confronted with tough and unforeseen challenges, they need to make timely, well-informed decisions to solve problems efficiently.

Evidence-based decision making, supported by a data-driven culture, is critical to the success of organisations. AGSM’s MBA Full-Time program includes the course, Data Analytics and Decision Making (MNGT5234). This course helps participants to frame business problems in a quantitative manner and learn how data collection and experimentation can help provide management insights.

For graduate certificate programs, the Data Analytics and Decision-making (AGSM6234) course features within AGSM’s Graduate Certificate in Management, Graduate Certificate in Digital Innovation, and Graduate Certificate in Technology Management programs.

Teamwork and employee engagement

Effective leaders know the importance of building high-performing teams and supporting a work environment based on collaboration. To do this, leaders need to empower their teams, recognise individual strengths, and cultivate inclusivity where every member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

For new managers or people preparing for this transition, upskilling with leadership training is often essential. AGSM’s Graduate Certificate in Management program provides leaders with the tools and techniques to lead with confidence. Within the program is the Managing People & Organisations (AGSM6275) course which explores the issues leaders face in managing people, groups, and organisations.

The key outcomes from this course provide leaders with a better understanding to leverage the separate roles of leadership and management. To discover how to identify what motivates people at work. The importance of knowing how a group functions, and how it can be more effective. And what impact the structure and culture of an organisation has on performance.

Change management

In today's fast-paced world, change is inevitable. Good leaders possess the skills to navigate organisational transitions smoothly, whether it be technological advancements, market disruptions, or structural reorganisations. Effective change management involves inspiring confidence, managing resistance, and facilitating adaptation to new realities.

AGSM’s Graduate Certificate in Change Management is designed to help participants develop the confidence and skills to become a successful agent of change. Participants learn sustainable change management theory and practical tools for managing people through change and overcoming resistance, ultimately providing the tools and techniques to drive change that makes visionary and lasting improvements in the workplace.

Adaptability and agility

Leaders must be adaptable and agile in response to evolving circumstances. Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to pivot quickly are essential attributes for leaders to thrive amidst uncertainty and volatility.

A human-centred, agile and adaptive leadership style is needed to lead through challenging times. AGSM’s MBA Full-Time program provides a Foundations of Management (MNGT5095) course where participants learn the foundational concepts and skills such as adaptive leadership, fostering self-awareness, and enhancing team performance. 

The course culminates in Leadership Week followed by ALiCE (Adaptive Leadership in Complex Environments). ALiCE is an immersive experience that allows participants to work in teams to review, integrate and apply all their newly acquired knowledge and skills gained throughout the Foundations course in complex and high-pressure situations.