Before starting going in more depth how these two specific skills will help you improve your leadership, it is key to better set a baseline.
In order to achieve this, you need to pick a model, let’s use the DISC assessment as template to identify the current status.

As per Wikipedia, DISC assessments are behavioral self-assessment tools based on the 1928 DISC emotional and behavioral theory of psychologist William Moulton Marston.
The tools are designed to predict job performance. However, the scientific validity of DISC has been contested and is by some considered to be a pseudoscience.

Having such assessments in place will allow you to get a better understanding of your team and stakeholders and running these on regular basis will allow the progress monitoring and fine tuning your action plan.

It is important to understand others as it is the cornerstone of interpersonal skill and will allow you to better lead more effectively.
In order to achieve this, Mel Silberman in his book, Peoplesmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence, outlines the following:

1. Listening and observing
– Give your undivided attention
– Demonstrate your interest
– Observe non-verbal cues

2. Clarifying the Meaning
– Ask open-ended questions
– Paraphrase
– Respond to feelings

3. Interpreting behaviours
– Diagnose others’ concerns
– Assess personal styles
= Recognise the impact of differences

Now that you have been able to not only assess yourself but also your stakeholders that should give you what you need to start going to the next step, Leading with influence but this will be another article to come soon!