The Leadership Edge: Critical Skills for Advancing Careers

The Leadership Edge

Critical Skills for Advancing Careers

Discover the key skills that drive leadership success and how to develop them for career advancement.

What Sets Top Leaders Apart?

For directors of recruiting and executive leaders, identifying and developing the right leadership skills is crucial for building high-performing teams and driving organizational success. The traits that top leaders possess aren’t just beneficial for hiring—they’re essential for your own growth and the strategic development of your leadership pipeline.

Over the last 30+ years, Lominger and the Korn/Ferry Institute have conducted extensive research to identify key behaviors that correlate with high performance in leadership. Out of their comprehensive “Leadership Architect” library of 67 key behaviors, 12 have been found to be the most critical for managers and executives. These key qualities are central to talent selection and leadership development.

The chart below outlines these critical traits, with talent supply categorized as Low (L), Medium (M), or High (H). Skills highlighted in red are those most strongly linked with leadership success at each level.

L = Low Proficiency M = Moderate Proficiency H = High Proficiency

How to Leverage These Skills for Success

As a leader in recruiting, these behaviors are powerful tools for shaping both your hiring strategy and leadership development plans. Candidates who demonstrate strength in areas rated Low (L) or Medium (M) bring a competitive advantage to your organization, filling critical gaps in the current talent pool.

For executives looking to grow their own leadership capabilities, recognizing gaps in these key areas can guide your personal development. Strategies include:

Taking on high-impact projects that develop these leadership qualities.
Pursuing targeted leadership training or certifications.
Mentoring emerging leaders to build these traits within your teams.

By focusing on the right skills, you elevate both your leadership and your organization’s ability to thrive.

Elevating Leadership Strategy

In today’s competitive landscape, success isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about mastering the qualities that define true leadership. Focusing on these key traits will enhance your influence, improve decision-making, and drive measurable outcomes within your teams.

Assess your strengths and identify where there are opportunities for growth. By focusing on these critical leadership behaviors, you can sharpen your edge and set the standard for excellence in your organization.

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