The Leadership Skills Every Leader Needs to Truly Inspire Their Team
- Diane@CourageOverComfortCoaching
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions where others feel brave enough to grow, contribute, and thrive.
We’ve all had that one leader who made us believe we could do more than we thought possible. Maybe it was a Headteacher who saw potential in you before you saw it in yourself. Or a line manager who knew when to challenge and when to listen. They didn’t just lead - they inspired.
At Courage Over Comfort Coaching, we work with leaders, who carry enormous responsibility on their shoulders. But here's the truth: inspiring leadership is a skillset, not a personality type. And like all skills, it can be cultivated - with intention, humility, and the right support.
So, what does it really take to lead in a way that uplifts others?
Let’s explore the essential leadership skills that help teams not just function, but flourish.
Communicate Like a Human, Not a Robot
Great leaders don’t just send emails and hold meetings. They create psychological safety through clear, consistent, and compassionate communication.
This means:
Articulating a shared vision that feels meaningful
Listening deeply to understand, not just to respond
Creating space for honest conversations—especially the hard ones
One school leader I coach holds a 15-minute "open door drop-in" each Friday. No agenda. No performance pressure. Just a chance to check in. Her staff say it’s the most valued part of their week.
Lead with Emotional Intelligence (EI), Not Ego
Emotional intelligence is the difference between reacting and responding, between managing people and truly leading them.
Leaders high in EI are:
Self-aware
Empathetic
Calm under pressure
Skilled in resolving conflict without blame
When the pressure’s on (Ofsted visit, anyone?), emotionally intelligent leaders know how to regulate their own emotions first - and then support their teams with clarity and care.
As one deputy head once told me after our session:
"I realised I didn’t have to be the calm after the storm. I could be the calm during it."
Decide Boldly, But Thoughtfully
Decision-making isn't just about being quick - it's about being clear, inclusive, and strategic.
When faced with complex decisions (budget cuts, staff restructures, curriculum redesign), strong leaders:
Gather a range of perspectives before deciding
Use tools like SWOT analysis or RACI matrices
Communicate not just the ‘what,’ but the ‘why’
In our coaching sessions, we often use real-time scenarios to practice decision-making under pressure - because clarity builds confidence.
Be Adaptable—Because Change Will Happen
Remember the pivot to remote teaching during the pandemic? Leaders who thrived weren’t the ones with all the answers—they were the ones willing to adapt, learn, and bring their teams with them.
Adaptable leaders:
Stay curious instead of defensive
Encourage innovation from all levels
Know that failing fast is better than not trying at all
One CEO I worked with reframed ‘change fatigue’ as ‘change clarity’ - by simplifying priorities and giving his team permission to focus on what mattered most.
Create Culture, Don’t Just Talk About It
Culture isn’t posters on a wall or values in a handbook. It’s how people feel at work every day.
The best leaders:
Recognise effort, not just outcomes
Build in celebration and gratitude as habits, not afterthoughts
Model the vulnerability they want others to feel safe enough to show
One primary Headteacher we coach created a “Thank You Thursday” board in the staffroom. Within weeks, her team started leaving anonymous notes of appreciation for each other. Morale soared - and so did collaboration.
Invest in Coaching—Because Even Leaders Need Support
It’s a myth that strong leaders go it alone. The truth? Behind every impactful leader is a space where they can think, feel, and grow - without judgement.
Leadership coaching offers:
A confidential sounding board for decisions
Clarity during times of change
Support in overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt
At Courage Over Comfort Coaching, we specialise in working with school leaders, senior women, and teams navigating complex change. Our clients often say coaching gave them “permission to lead as themselves, not a version they thought others expected.”
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The best leaders are curious leaders.
Whether it's staying up to date with pedagogy, attending leadership development programmes, or simply reflecting on what worked (or didn’t) last term - learning is a leadership act.
LinkedIn data shows 94% of employees stay longer at organisations that invest in their growth. But here’s the kicker: they’re also more likely to believe in their leaders.
So keep reading, asking, testing, failing, and growing. It’s what your team needs. And it’s what you deserve.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Skills That Light the Way
If you remember one thing from this blog, let it be this:
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
You don’t need to be the loudest, the smartest, or the most experienced. You just need to be willing to show up fully, lead with heart, and keep growing.
Because real leadership isn’t about control - it’s about courage.
And that’s what transforms teams.
Ready to Lead with Confidence?
Book a free 30-minute clarity call to explore bespoke leadership coaching, team development workshops, or wellbeing training tailored to your organisation.
Or browse our blog for more insights on:
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Building resilient teams
Coaching culture in schools
