**Leadership Goes Beyond Skill**

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Leadership in Job Postings

The concept of leadership is often oversimplified, yet it encompasses a multifaceted set of skills and attributes. It's puzzling that employers frequently demand "leadership skills" in job postings without providing a clear definition of what they mean by it. Can anyone explain what universal actions demonstrate leadership abilities? Moreover, not all leaders manage teams, so would they possess the same skills? And why do employers seek leadership skills for non-leadership roles? It's unlikely that individuals with proven leadership abilities would be interested in jobs that don't require leadership.

Research on in-demand skills often highlights "leadership" as a desirable trait. The Bloomberg Job Skills Report 2016, for instance, lists leadership as a sought-after attribute in MBA talent. However, not all MBA graduates aspire to management roles. Shouldn't this imply that leadership skills are more relevant to higher-level positions rather than management roles?

A more nuanced approach can be seen in Burning Glass's Human Factor Baseline Skills 2015 report, which categorizes leadership under the broader umbrella of "supervision." This makes more sense, as leadership is typically required in management-level jobs across various occupations.

The Job Outlook 2016 report by NACE lists leadership as the top attribute employers want to see on new college graduates' resumes. This is concerning, as entry-level jobs rarely require supervisory skills. Employers should be more specific about the skills they're looking for, rather than relying on vague terms like "leadership."

It's time for employers to rethink their approach to job postings and clearly outline the specific skills and behaviors they need to fill roles. By doing so, they can attract more suitable candidates and reduce the gap between the skills they want and the talent available.