I recently read an article by a career expert I respect greatly. The person basically asked why some employers hiring people for entry-level jobs (many right out of college) make leadership skills one of their top criteria.The person went on the explain that the odds are very slim that the newly-hired person, still green behind the ears, would be asked to do things that actually need leadership skills. Well, I can see why people might think that, but here’s what an employer might be thinking.What employers really want when looking for leadership skills
It’s true that a young person right out of college, taking their first step into a company, may be asked to do anything but take a leader role. There’s likely to be lots of “get me this” and “go do that” and usually not much “Here’s a major project. You’re in charge.”But the likelihood of entrusting the person with a major leadership role is not why employers look for leadership skills. The components of being a leader type can be very useful, even at a “lower” level. So here’s what they might really be thinking:- People who have already displayed leadership skills are more likely to be able to work autonomously (manage themselves).
- People with good leadership skills can be put in charge of parts of projects.
- People who can lead at this stage of their careers are people I want to provide with growth opportunities within my company.
- People with leadership skills may also show the same thinking that motivates them to find and solve problems.
- People with good leadership skills (not just bully leaders) know how to work effectively with others.
- People with good leadership skills also have good emotional intelligence, a quality you want in your organization regardless of level.
- Whether you’re a waitress, mail clerk, secretary, manager, house painter, or whatever the position, a person who feels personal responsibility, shows initiative, and takes the extra step to make things happen (with respect to the appropriate organizational structure) is a valuable employee at any level.
So what are some transferable entry-level leadership skills?
- Persuasive when getting others to do what they want
- Moves forward with a positive attitude
- Is assertive without being pushy
- Takes the initiative
- Plans and makes sure plan is enacted
- Determination to see something through
- Ability to thrive even in stressful times
- Resilience no matter how difficult things may seem
More…
- Good energy
- Good communicator
- Strong networker / relationship builder
- Good at getting others to work with him/her
- Seen as trustworthy by others and in turn trusts others to handle their responsibilities
- Good strategic planner
- Resilience
- Thinks of end user’s needs within the bigger picture
- Has a vision and can communicate it.
More…
- Knows how to follow and to be followed (understanding and appreciating what it takes to be led can also help you to be a stronger leader)
- Seeks out new information and ideas
- Quick to learn and can apply new knowledge as needed
- Willingness to work hard (without feeling imposed upon)
- Inner knowledge that they will somehow find a way to make things happen /turn out well
- Learns from mistakes and applies that knowledge moving forward
- Sees opportunity in problems
- Recognizes problems clearly and finding solutions
- Excitement at taking on new challenges
More…
- Takes responsibility (without blaming others) for making things happen
- Ability to work and communicate with others successfully
- Sees the strengths in others and recognizes how to engage that within the scope of a project / task
- Emotional intelligence (ability to work well with their own feelings and feelings of others)
- Listens well
- Works collaboratively
- Solid understanding of organizational needs, personal needs, and how they intersect
- Works intelligently and methodically toward goals
- Has a clear vision of what success means
When employers might not want leadership skills
- The employer is a bully / dictator and wants people to follow not lead.
- The employer doesn’t want employees to take any initiative — just shut up and do.
- The employer wants people to just sit and do and not ask for more responsibility.
- The employer doesn’t understand the high value of the leadership components, even if the person is clear that they don’t get to be in charge at this time.
- The employer is someone who doesn’t know how to get the most out of people.
- The employer has no interest in providing growth opportunities, so they look to hire people without “ambition”. [Ironically, even people without apparent ambition can have leadership qualities. Again, having some of the same highly-valued skills doesn’t mean you must be THE leader.]
- The employer is going to stick you in a job that is so boring you’ll want to scream.