If you are looking to get ahead in the workplace, it’s important that you understand what management is looking for in their potential leaders. For many, the idea of being in a position of leadership is simply a matter of having power. They care more about being able to control the people who are working under them, than they do about improving the team or department they are overseeing. While attempting to get a job in a leadership role may require a touch of cockiness for some, bravado will only get you so far. If you want to be a good and effective leader, you must have a very specific set of skills. Continue reading below to learn more about what these skills are.

You understand the business thoroughly

In every job you have ever had, you have likely wanted your leaders to, at the very least, be competent. This requires that they know the business like the back of their hands. If they don’t know about some component of their job, they seek answers so they can be a wealth of knowledge for those people who work alongside them. A good leader keeps up with changes in the industry, as well as communicates these changes to those they affect. If you want to be representing a company by being in a leadership role, you have better know the company and its industry inside and out.

You can inspire and motivate

The first way you can inspire and motivate those who work beneath you is to create the most transparent environment possible. This means that you and those who work with you can talk openly and honestly about your business with one another. This requires that you respect your team members and that as a leader, they also respect you. Building this sort of relationship with the people you work with on a daily basis will make for a happier team, which in general will likely lead to more productivity.

You can build healthy and sustainable relationships

Speaking of building relationships, this is one of the most important ways you can be a good leader. Regardless of the many personalities that you must work with day in and day out, it requires learning how to have the best relationship possible with each individual. There will be people who need constant supports, while others prefer to be given their space, being left to do their work. Whatever it is that you have to do to build a sustainable relationship with those around you, do it.

You have patience (or you learn to have it)

Whether it’s a deadline that is taking a bit too long or a person who you simply can’t seem to appease, you will need to practice a ton of patience if you want to be a good leader. Being patient will also prevent you from making rash decisions that could potentially result in negative consequences.

You lead by example

This is the most important aspect of being a leader. You have to set the standard of excellence in the work that you complete everyday. Being a leader isn’t about control. It isn’t about being right and it certainly contains no room for double standards. Do your job as flawlessly as possible and others will follow suit.