Haris Ahmed Chicago Consultant on 3 Skills That Every Leader Must Possess

When Haris Ahmed, Chicago consultant, executive coach and founder and CEO of Pragmatium Consulting Group, Inc. was still trying to find his footing on the entrepreneurial path, he knew that more than anything, he had to be an effective leader because he knows that everything concerning the business starts and ends with him. This means whatever goals he plans to pursue, or whatever strategies and plans he puts in motion, everything will be based on how he leads his organization.

With that said, he would like to share with his readers the top three skills that he believes every leader should possess and further develop if one were to become truly effective in his or her role as the leader of an organization. These are entrepreneurial and decision-making skills, and adaptability, or the willingness to embrace or initiate change.

1. Entrepreneurial Skills. It goes without saying that anyone who wishes to venture into business, whether on his own or with a partner, needs to possess a certain level of entrepreneurial skills. These skills are what will determine your path: the direction you’re going, with whom, and for whom. Being an entrepreneur necessitates recognizing a specific need in the market, and having a solution to address it. It could be a solution that may or may not be available yet, but definitely one that gives your audience value for money while also enriching and enhancing their lives.

2. Adaptability. Businesses need to grow in order to stay in business. Trends change over time, and consumer behavior should be expected to change along with them. For instance, a business that isn’t online has a slimmer chance of gaining new customers or staying on top of their industry than a competitor who is clearly visible on the internet. Marketing campaigns are also going in a different direction, gearing more towards digital or online platforms and away from traditional media. While these changes seem simple enough, failing to adapt could nevertheless be disastrous for your business. Recognize these shifts, adapt to them when necessary, and innovate when and where you can.

3. Decision-making Skills. A poor decision-maker makes for a poor leader. While it may sound harsh, even unforgiving, it is true nonetheless. As a business owner and a leader, you will be called upon to make decisions every single day. You will have to use your judgment, analytical thinking, and consider a number of other factors in your decision-making process. While you might have people on your team to help gather information and input, you will ultimately still make the call. To be an effective leader, you should be fully aware that every decision that you make will directly or indirectly impact your organization, internally and externally. You should also know when to be unwavering in your decision, and when to follow your team’s recommendations after recognizing that it is for the good of the company.

Please stay tuned to this page for more posts on leadership from consultant and executive coach, Haris Ahmed of Chicago.