9 Must-Have Soft Skills for Leadership

Without the foundation of great leadership, any company will eventually crumble. And with more than half of organizations, there’s an urgent need to shift this tide.

In the restaurant industry, we hear these same complaints from owners and operators. On one hand, they have employees who show promise, but who they feel aren’t quite ready yet for the responsibility. On the other hand, the employees they do promote all too often fail in the new role.

Clearly, something is missing from the equation.

Soft Skills Matter

When considering someone for a leadership role, many tend to focus on their hard skills – those skills that can be more easily taught, like computer knowledge or inventory management.

Soft skills, like personality characteristics and attributes, are actually much more vital to leadership success. Being a leader goes way beyond being able to do the basics of the job – things like follow a checklist, make a burger, clean the cooler, or coordinate a schedule. Leaders need to be able to connect with people. Check out our page on leadership advice from top CEOs.

Before promoting that next employee, here are nine soft skills to look for in a future leader.

1. A Love for the Company

Leaders need to love what they do. No one will love every minute task, but by and large, they should exude passionate and excitement about their position and company. This love for the company is not just about enjoying the day-to-day tasks but also involves a deep appreciation for the company’s vision, culture, and goals. Leaders who demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for their company’s mission and values are more likely to inspire their teams and foster a positive work environment. Their passion becomes a driving force, motivating others to invest in their work and align with the company’s objectives. It’s this kind of commitment that distinguishes a mere manager from a true leader.

2. A Natural Communicator

Leaders must be able to communicate with their team, day in and day out, on many different levels. They don’t over-complicate their message and speak in a way that inspires and encourages others. Effective communication is not just about conveying information; it’s about connecting with people on a personal level and building trust. A natural communicator listens as much as they speak, ensuring that they understand the needs and concerns of their team members. They are adept at adjusting their communication style to suit different individuals and situations, ensuring that their message is not only heard but also understood and acted upon. This skill is crucial in building a cohesive team and navigating the complexities of organizational dynamics.

3. An Infectious Personality

It’s impossible to be liked by everyone, but the best leaders among us come close. They usually have an almost magnetic personality, one that attracts people to them and puts them at ease. This infectious personality is more than just being charismatic; it’s about being approachable, empathetic, and genuinely interested in others. Leaders with such traits create a positive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging open communication and collaboration. Their energy and enthusiasm often spread throughout the team, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This approachability and genuine interest in team members’ well-being are key to building strong, trusting relationships within the organization.

4. A Problem-Solver

If you have an employee who isn’t afraid to jump in feet first and figure stuff out, they show leadership promise. They tend to look at a problem as an opportunity – to learn, to grow, to stretch their abilities. Effective problem-solving goes beyond finding quick fixes; it involves analyzing situations from different perspectives, anticipating potential challenges, and developing strategic, long-term solutions. Leaders who are adept problem-solvers are also often innovative thinkers. They encourage their teams to think creatively and are not afraid to take calculated risks. Their ability to remain calm and methodical under pressure makes them invaluable in crisis situations, guiding their teams through challenges with confidence and clarity.

5. An Active Listener

You learn when you listen, and great leaders are always, always looking for opportunities to learn. One of my favorite quotes – “I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” ~ Larry King. Active listening is an essential skill for any leader. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. It’s not just about hearing the words but also about picking up on non-verbal cues and understanding the emotions behind the words. By actively listening, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of their team members’ ideas, concerns, and motivations. This not only helps in resolving issues more effectively but also in building stronger, more meaningful relationships within the team.

6. A Question-Asker

Leaders certainly understand the value in listening, but they also relish in questioning the status quo. Their questions shouldn’t take on an inflammatory or accusatory tone though. Instead, they should garner introspection, discussion, or a new way of looking at an issue. This curiosity is crucial for innovation and continuous improvement. Effective leaders use questions to challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and encourage their teams to think critically. By asking the right questions, they can uncover underlying issues, inspire creativity, and drive progress. This approach also creates a culture of openness where team members feel valued and are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.

7. A Dreamer and Goal-Maker

Dreams and goals go hand in hand for leaders. An emphasis too heavy on dreams without the goals to get there isn’t productive. Effective leaders dream big, but also outline the steps they need to take to make it happen. This balance between dreaming and goal-setting is essential for turning visions into reality. Leaders who excel in this area are not only visionaries but also pragmatists. They set clear, achievable goals, and develop detailed plans to achieve them. They also understand the importance of flexibility, adapting their strategies as needed to overcome obstacles and capitalize on new opportunities. This forward-thinking and strategic planning are key to driving success and achieving long-term objectives.

8. A Relationship-Builder

Healthy relationships are key to a healthy company culture. Leaders value relationships with everyone – their coworkers, customers, and vendors. They adapt to each person and situation, knowing every encounter deserves a unique and personalized approach. Effective relationship-building involves more than just networking; it requires genuine interest in others and the ability to build trust and rapport. Leaders who are good at building relationships understand the importance of empathy, respect, and effective communication. They take the time to get to know their team members, clients, and partners, and are committed to their success. This ability to connect with people on a personal level is vital for fostering collaboration, loyalty, and a strong organizational culture.

9. A Golden Rule Follower

Employees who go on to become the top leaders understand you must treat people the way you want to be treated. They value respect in the workplace, and know it’s a two-way street. Adhering to the Golden Rule is fundamental in creating a respectful and ethical work environment. Leaders who practice this principle lead by example, demonstrating fairness, integrity, and respect in all their interactions. They recognize the importance of treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their role or status. This approach not only earns them the respect and trust of their team but also sets the tone for the entire organization, creating a positive, supportive, and ethical workplace culture.

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Carrie Luxem is the founder and President of Restaurant HR Group, a full-service HR group based in Chicago, IL. Carrie will be sharing her wisdom from over 15 years in restaurant human resources through guest-posts on the Homebase blog.

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Which soft skills do you look for in future leaders? Please tell me in the comments below!