Skills are what leaders can accomplish, whereas traits are who leaders are (i.e., their innate characteristics). Leadership skills are defined as the ability to use one’s knowledge and competencies to accomplish a set of goals or objectives. This shows that these leadership skills can be acquired and leaders can be trained to develop them. (Northhouse,2016,pg.43) Technical skill is knowledge about and proficiency in a specific type of work or activity. It includes competencies in a specialized area, analytical ability, and the ability to use appropriate tools and techniques (Katz, 1955).(Northhouse,2016,pg.43) Technical skills vary and we could all practice some of these skills. Such as the number of words per minute you can type on a keyboard, or how efficient you are with Microsoft Word or Excel. Some jobs require excellent math skills when dealing with money. Your efficiency within these aspects of your possible position would determine your technical skill.
Human skill is knowledge about and ability to work with people. It is quite different from a technical skill, which has to do with working with things (Katz, 1955). Human skills are “people skills.” They are the abilities that help a leader to work effectively with followers, peers, and superiors to accomplish the organization’s goals. Human skills allow a leader to assist group members in working cooperatively as a group to achieve common goals. (Northhouse,2016,pg.43) We could consider human skills to be communication skills. The way we present ourselves to others. The tone we have when we speak. The way we dress. The way we conduct ourselves in meetings. The way we handle conversations and if we are actively listening to our peers. All of these are human skills that are incorporated into the workplace.
A leader with conceptual skills is comfortable talking about the ideas that shape an organization and the intricacies involved. He or she is good at putting the company’s goals into words and can understand and express the economic principles that affect the company. A leader with conceptual skills works easily with abstractions and hypothetical notions. (Northhouse,2016,pg.43) A leader with conceptual skills will be comfortable speaking in front of people and making presentations trying to implement new ideas or plans within the company. Normally people with these skills will be found on the management side of the organization. These skills require a strong sense of confidence and strategic planning. This requires a strong presentation with an efficient and beneficial plan that encourages growth within the company.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
tfs5137 says
Hello ccb5182: Understanding the Three-Skill Approach.
This week lesson on skill approach delve directly into what skill leaders need to effectively accomplish or carryout their assigned or elected roles. Clearly you have conceptualized leadership skills. I am affirmative with the belief that leadership skills can be developed and leadership can be continuously developed. You incorporated Katz three skills model of human skill, conceptual skills, and technical skills which speaks volume when it comes to leadership requirements (Northouse, 2016, p. 43). Yes, these three skills are very important for it shows leaders competence and ability. Leadership takes different styles and roles and each has its own requirements in the skill domain. Leadership situation varies and leaders have to be prepared with the right skill to handle ongoing and incoming situations.
Your post distinguished the three skills important to all leaders. Along this week lesson 4 combination of Northouse and PSU, we are informed that leadership takes many role, styles and levels. So, a leader from an upper level may not require the technical skill versus a leader from a lower level (PSU, 2018, para. 3). You gave an example of learning the efficiency of keyboarding and suggested that the practice is good for everyone. Yet, some find it difficult to digest. I personally think that leaders should possess skills in all domain of their organization. Leaders who possess skill in all domain are all rounded to support their followers and help their followers better understand their roles. However, it is not required for the leadership role as The President of United States of America for this role is immense.
Furthermore, I believe that the most important skill in leadership is possessing human skills. Leaders work with people who are their followers and followers work with leaders. These are human interaction in a continuous circle. The art of interaction in leadership is constantly changing so, leaders need to be refined in this skill approach domain. You brought on an important point in that human skill can be considered communication skill. I agree with this because leaders communicate with their followers and this is interaction and engagement of human skills.
Leaders have to possess the people skills in various domain to work effectively with their followers. There are always leadership development session and platforms on how to lead followers and build on follower-leader relationships. You incorporated leaders’ conceptual skills into the mix of leadership role and it definitely plays a part in shaping and refining an organization goal. In ending, your post had many important information and details of the chapter reading from Northouse and you highlighted the three basic skills approaches of Katz. It contained elements required for demonstrating the skill approach. Thank you for the opportunity to read your post.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles:
Sage Publications.
Pennsylvania State University. (2018). Skill approach. Skill approach defined.
PSYCH 485. Retrieved May 20, 2018 from
https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1940315/modules/items/24597459
https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1940315/modules/items/24597463