number-10-1212725By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor.

According to a recent global Korn Ferry study, these are the top 10 coaching needs for employees wanting to move into mid-level leadership positions, including senior managers and function heads:

  1. Interpersonal relationships listening skills, empathy
  2. Influence
  3. Communication skills
  4. Self-awareness
  5. Delegation, empowerment
  6. Building effective teams
  7. Motivation and engagement
  8. Working with uncertainty and ambiguity, decision skills
  9. Mentoring, developing internal talent, succession
  10. Time and energy management

For the research, Korn Ferry surveyed more than 200 coaches (professionals who listen to, guide and counsel thousands of senior leaders from around the globe) to gain insight on the challenges leaders face most frequently and what competencies they see as most essential for leading companies through complex and uncertain business conditions.

The focus on “softer” skills, such as communication and building interpersonal relationships should be noted. While industry- and job-specific hard skills are necessary, the abilities to connect with, coach and empower your employees are critical to succeeding in today’s business world. As you begin your leadership journey, ensure that you are finding and taking advantage of opportunities to grow your skills in these critical core areas.

Korn Ferry is the preeminent authority on leadership and talent. For decades, clients have trusted us to recruit leaders throughout the world. Today we are their partner in designing strategies to accelerate business outcomes through talent. For more information, visit www.kornferry.com.

Jaimy Ford is a business writer and editor. She writes subscription newsletters, training tools and articles that focus on professional development, leadership, productivity and more.

Photo Credit: http://www.freeimages.com/search/number-10?free=1

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