When we think of leadership, the same qualities often come to mind—vision, confidence, decision-making, and strategic thinking. But some of the most powerful leadership skills rarely make it to the spotlight.
The best leaders don’t just inspire with their words; they lead with their presence, adaptability, and unseen habits. These hidden skills may not be glamorous, but they make all the difference in building trust, guiding teams, and achieving long-term success.
As someone who has worked closely with leaders across industries, I’ve noticed that the truly exceptional ones have certain traits that set them apart. Here are five underrated leadership skills that can transform the way you lead.
1. The Ability to be Silent
Most leaders focus on what to say. But great leaders master when to stay silent.
Think about it—how often do we fill the room with unnecessary words just to appear in control? True leadership isn’t about speaking the most; it’s about listening the best.
Why Silence Matters in Leadership
✅ It gives people space to think and contribute.
✅ It encourages your team to solve problems instead of waiting for you to answer.
✅ It allows you to listen actively instead of just waiting for your turn to speak.
Example: During a meeting, instead of immediately giving feedback, pause. Let the silence settle. More often than not, someone will step up with a solution. This not only empowers your team but also teaches them to think critically.
Michael Olaitan’s Tip: Next time you’re in a discussion, try waiting five extra seconds before responding. You’ll be surprised at how much more insight you gather.
2. The Skill of Reframing Problems
Ordinary leaders see obstacles. Exceptional leaders reframe challenges into opportunities.
In today’s fast-growing business world, problems will arise—how you define them determines how you solve them.
Reframing in Action:
🚫 “Sales are down; we’re failing.”
✅ “Sales are down—what can we learn from this, and how can we pivot?”
🚫 “This project is delayed. We’re in trouble.
”✅ “This delay gives us time to improve our strategy and get better results.”
Great leaders train themselves and their teams to shift from a fear mindset to a growth mindset.
Michael Olaitan’s Tip: Next time you face a setback, ask: “What’s the opportunity in this challenge?”
3. The Power of Remembering Small Details
People don’t leave jobs because of workload—they leave because of how they’re treated.
A leader who remembers small details about their team builds loyalty like no other.
Why This Matters:
✅ Employees work harder for leaders who see them as individuals, not just workers.
✅ Recognizing small milestones makes employees feel valued and appreciated.
✅ A simple “How’s your family?” can create a stronger bond than a performance review.
Example: A manager who remembers that an employee’s child had an important school event and asks about it later creates an emotional connection. This simple act builds loyalty and trust.
Michael Olaitan’s Tip: Keep a small notebook or digital notes on key details about your team members. The next time you bring up something personal, they’ll notice—and appreciate it.
4. The Courage to Change Your Mind
Weak leaders see changing their mind as a sign of weakness. Strong leaders see it as a sign of wisdom.
The best leaders are willing to say:
“I was wrong.” “Your idea is better than mine.” “Let’s adjust our strategy based on new insights.”
Why This Matters:
✅ It fosters a culture of continuous learning.
✅ It shows your team that you value data over ego.
✅ It builds trust—your team knows they can speak up without fear.
Example:A CEO insists on launching a product in Q1, but after getting market feedback, they delay it to improve features. Instead of stubbornly pushing forward, they adapt. This decision could mean the difference between failure and success.
Michael Olaitan’s Tip: Ask yourself, “Am I holding onto this decision because it’s the best one—or just because it was my idea?”
5. The Confidence to Give Credit Away
A weak leader takes all the credit. A great leader shines the spotlight on others.
Have you ever worked under a leader who always took credit for team success but blamed others for failures? It’s frustrating and demotivating.
Why Giving Credit Matters:
✅ It makes employees feel valued and motivated.
✅ It strengthens team trust—people want to work for leaders who recognize them.
✅ It creates a culture where everyone strives for excellence, not just the leader.
Example:Instead of saying, “We achieved record-breaking sales this quarter,” say, “The sales team’s dedication and hard work led us to this milestone.” This small shift builds morale and encourages teamwork.
Michael Olaitan’s Tip: At your next team meeting, publicly recognize someone for their contribution. Watch how it lifts the entire team’s energy.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is More Than Titles and Strategies
Great leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.
The best leaders:
✅ Listen more than they speak.
✅ Reframe problems into opportunities.
✅ Remember the small details.
✅ Aren’t afraid to change their minds.
✅ Give credit where it’s due.
If you want to be a truly impactful leader, start practicing these hidden skills. They may not be glamorous, but they’re the foundation of leadership that lasts.
Which of these leadership skills do you think is the most underrated? Let’s discuss in the comments.
