As 2021 winds down to a close, many people are thinking about what they want to accomplish in the new year. What are your goals? Sharpening your leadership skills is a worthwhile endeavor that can propel your career forward, whether you are hoping to move into a leadership role or you want to improve your performance in your current position. Let’s talk about some of the most in-demand skills for leaders in the workplace.

Analytical Thinking and Innovation

After an analysis of the global labor market, the World Economic Forum listed the skills most likely to be in-demand in 2022. Analytical thinking and innovation claimed the top spot. Being able to process and gather information, and look at it in a way that others do not, can help you tackle complicated tasks in an ever-changing workplace.

Active Learning

Closely related to analytical thinking is active learning. What exactly is active learning, you might ask? Well, research shows that people retain about 10% of what they read (passive learning), but they remember about 90% of what they do. Hence, active learning involves looking for ways to challenge yourself and be personally involved in new projects and tasks.

Technological Skills

A 2021 report from the Project Management Institute (PMI) found that one of the biggest accelerators of change in project management enterprises is digital transformation. It seems safe to say that a similar trend is happening across other industries, thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to adapt to changing technologies may have the power to increase your value in any work environment, especially as you strive to establish yourself as a leader in your field.

Emotional Intelligence

A report from PMI found that “in 52% to 70% of cases, employees’ comfort in a project environment depends on the emotional intelligence of management.” The ability to perceive, generate, and respond appropriately to emotions can have a huge impact on how your team members view you. It can also increase your sensitivity to important social issues, such as diversity in the workplace.

How Can You Improve?

Improving your leadership skills might seem like it is easier said than done, but if you set reasonable goals and monitor your progress, you’ll see improvement in no time. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

• Find a mentor or coach who can steer you in the right direction.
• Study leaders in your field whom you admire. You might have the opportunity to do this in person, or you can do it through books, videos, and other media.
• Ask for feedback from your team members and other peers.
• Identify your strengths and build on them. At the same time, be aware of potential weaknesses.

We live in uncertain times, but one thing is certain — 2022 is full of potential, and so are you!