A skill is a specific ability that a person defines, learns, and practices until it becomes second nature. It is both measurable and improvable through repetition and feedback.

Example:

Intentional listening is the skill of fully focusing on the speaker, not just on their words, but also their tone, body language, and emotional undercurrent.

For the purpose of this question, we are only defining skills. please see the remaining questions as they will help you differentiate between skills and (tools, habits and or competencies). 

A tool is a technique, strategy, or method that helps you develop or apply a skill. Tools are how you practice, refine, and reinforce what you’re learning.

Example:

Paraphrasing is a tool that helps you practice intentional listening. By restating what the speaker said in your own words, you confirm understanding and build connection.

Think of your journey like climbing a mountain. You’ve seen the peak, but now you stop to check your backpack.

What’s missing? What tools would make this climb easier?

The better your tools, the more empowered you are.

A habit is an action performed so frequently that it becomes automatic. Habits form the foundation of consistent leadership behavior, shaping how you show up daily.

Example:

Starting each meeting with a moment of silence and intention, setting is a habit that centers your focus and creates presence.

A competency is a broader capability made up of multiple, interrelated skills. It is an area that is made up of multiple related skills, behaviors, and knowledge areas.

In the context of this leadership journey, we are not just identifying general competencies, we are breaking them down to discover the precise skills they contain. This helps make development more focused, trackable, and practical.

Think of a competency as the category, and skills as the ingredients that bring it to life.

An example:

Communication is a competency, but it is not a single skill. It includes a cluster of skills, such as:

• Active listening
• Nonverbal communication (eye contact, posture, gestures)
• Empathy and emotional awareness
• Clear and concise writing
• Storytelling and public speaking
• Adapting your message to different audiences

Research, this is the ongoing process of exploring, observing, and gathering information from diverse sources to deepen your understanding and expand your knowledge.

For leaders, research includes reading, asking powerful questions, seeking feedback, learning from others, and staying curious about emerging ideas and best practices.

These are the practical building blocks required to embody your leadership vision. Skills are capabilities (like active listening or empathy). Tools are strategies or resources (like time-blocking, coaching frameworks, journaling). Habits are repeated actions (like morning reflection, feedback loops).

You may already “see” the leader you want to become, but now it’s time to get specific about how to get there.

Knowing the name of what you need gives you direction. You can’t build what you can’t name.

Useful illustration:  

Remember the question about who you are as a leader today? This is where you stand now (Station Three). While the vision is where you are heading (Station Nine). To make the best use of this question, write down all the skills that you need to close the gap between Station Three & Station Nine.