I was in a discussion with a colleague about the key drivers for leadership success and what core elements in leadership development would make the greatest long term difference.

Think about it for a minute; what would you say is the #1 factor for success. I want to underline, long term success. What does it take to get to the top? I want to underline, to get to the top and stay there!

We have seen so many CEO’s topple from their positions in maybe, two years. And often when they fall, they fall hard with a long list of things that were done poorly or not done at all. Most of the CEO’s who are no longer CEO’s were good strategic thinkers and had excellent business knowledge. So what was lacking?

What seemed to rank at the top for those who have staying power are interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.

Why these skills are so critical is that they are the ones that help people work through the tough issues and come out the other side with little damage. It is the discomfort that takes place when decisions are made that can stall a team, even a highly skilled team, and where there is often sabotage and office politics.

So, all leadership development programs need to focus on the systemic aspect of group interactions and how to be a leader able to let conflict resolve without angry losers and ego-bound winners.

Communication skills are so much more than simply saying what you need to say in a clear and concise way. It is about being a master weaver and helping the interpersonal communications become a masterpiece of collaboration, strand by strand by strand.