Every great leader is distinct to some degree, but every so often the key to success might be found in these qualities which are shared by so many big figures in the financial industry.
Being a fantastic leader is clearly not merely about attitude, but likewise about actually being excellent at one’s job. A bunch of strategic skills are required, and industry acumen and numeracy should clearly be primary points of the training needs for finance department jobs, irrespective of whether they’re at entry level or for managerial roles. Planning ahead and having a good sense of prediction is key, as indicated by individuals like Ray Dalio, and leaders should invariably be somewhat involved in their operations, understanding how each department functions and fits into the bigger picture, and most importantly keeping up-to-date with the latest trends of the sector.
There are a few really delicate balances which are crucial in terms of the characteristics of good financial management, and one among them has to do with confidence: this is both in relation to one’s attitude and self-esteem, standing their ground but at the same time inspiring confidence for the rest of their business, not being too proud and still upholding one’s humbleness. Businesspeople like Ken Griffin have actually demonstrated how one should ensure their employees are comfortable and confident enough to perform to their best: this might be done by listening to constructive feedback and actively working to improve the workplace.
As it is with any industry, the financial one also requires its leaders to have the right relationship with their staff, to begin with. In this case, communication is surely among the most vital skills to have, both within their department and when they are seeking to share the company’s views by and large, whether it is to investors or to the press. Figures like Jamie Dimon actually have identified the relevance of being honest with one’s working force, and integrity should be a quality that is always added in the notion of leadership development for finance professionals. By being sure that one’s employees are driven, managers can achieve better yet outcomes for their overall firm.
Among the skills required for finance jobs, especially those that are at the top, perhaps one of the most crucial is absolutely the ability of setting realistic yet ambitious objectives. Needless to say, one would want to be a bit of a risk-taker, if a nice result has the promise of bringing excellent profits, but they shouldn’t do that to an scope that would be damaging to the firm. At the same time, the targets for their employees should be high enough for them to try their best, but still realistic. In the end, it is all about balance.