5 Underrated Skills Of A Leader That Only The Top 0.1% Value
Master these and climb to the top
When I first became a manager, I thought leadership was all about achieving results.
I spent my days focused on driving results and setting big goals. But after managing teams of engineers, managers, and cross-functional leaders for over 20 years, I realized something surprising. The leaders who consistently outperform the rest don’t just excel in the obvious areas—they master a set of often-overlooked skills. These are the skills that separate the top 0.1% from the rest.
Want to know what they are? Let’s dive into 5 underrated leadership skills that can make a world of difference in your ability to lead effectively.
1. Empathy in Decision-Making
Empathy might seem like a “soft skill,” but in leadership, it’s a superpower. Data from a Catalyst study shows that leaders who show empathy increase engagement by 76%. When you make decisions, it’s not just about numbers or strategy—it’s about people. Understanding how decisions impact your team on a personal level will build trust and loyalty.
Actionable Tip: Before making a tough decision, take time to walk in your team’s shoes. Ask yourself, “How would this decision affect me if I were in their position?” This doesn’t mean compromising on tough calls—it means making decisions with compassion.
2. Listening, Not Just Hearing
Listening is often confused with hearing. But true leadership requires active listening. A Gallup survey found that managers who engage in active listening lead teams that are 21% more productive. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding what’s beneath them. Leaders who listen well gain insights that others miss.
Actionable Tip: Start implementing a feedback loop. After a meeting or a 1:1, summarize what you heard and ask your team members to confirm it. This ensures nothing is lost in translation, and your team knows you value their input.
3. Strategic Patience
Most leaders think they need to act quickly to be effective. But some of the best leaders, like Satya Nadella at Microsoft, show us that patience is often a better strategy. Nadella’s ability to patiently rebuild Microsoft’s culture led to a staggering turnaround.
Actionable Tip: Instead of rushing to a decision, take time to analyze long-term consequences. Set up regular “check-ins” with yourself to reflect on strategic moves you’ve made and their outcomes. Patience pays off in long-term strategy.
4. Managing Energy, Not Time
Leaders love to talk about time management. But the top 0.1% of leaders? They manage their energy instead. Research from The Energy Project shows that productivity peaks in 90-minute intervals. Leaders who understand their energy rhythms can achieve more by working in alignment with their energy levels rather than the clock.
Actionable Tip: Track your energy throughout the day. Identify your high-energy periods and schedule your most important work during those times. Encourage your team to do the same.
5. Mastering the Art of Silence
It might seem counterintuitive, but silence is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit. Silence during critical moments—whether in meetings or one-on-ones—allows others the space to think, reflect, and contribute more meaningfully.
TED Talk to Watch: Julian Treasure’s “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen” highlights how silence can make your words more impactful. Take advantage of the 5-second pause—it might be uncomfortable at first, but it will elevate your leadership presence.
Actionable Tip: Next time you’re in a difficult conversation, don’t rush to fill the silence. Let the moment breathe. Silence creates space for deeper reflection and better decision-making.
Here’s a little exercise for you: Pick one skill from this list and practice it throughout the week. For example, focus on active listening during your next team meeting. At the end of the week, reflect on three ways this improved your team’s dynamics and engagement. Let me know how that goes in the comments!
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