How can you identify and develop project leaders who will thrive in the future?

Drawing from my two decades of industry experience. Exceptional leaders aren't coincidences; they're deliberately nurtured. Future project leaders require a holistic approach embracing diversity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning. This paves the way for enduring leadership in an ever-changing world. Here are three strategies that will always stand the test of time to cultivate great project leaders: 1. Embrace Diversity: Seek leaders who value diversity. Diverse perspectives fuel innovation. 2. Cultivate Adaptability: Nurture resilience and a thirst for learning. Adaptability is essential for future leaders. 3. Promote Inclusivity: Create an inclusive culture where every voice matters.

I totally agree with these points stated here and also would like to add that we are working in a more virtual world today with global teams so your communication skills must be merged with cultural intelligence. The future of project leadership will be those individuals who have the cultural intelligence to navigate rooms filled with diverse teams and able to leave each team member feeling valued and respected. The future of project leadership will be someone who has the international mindset and strategic skills to foresee risks and address them smoothly so that each project and team member produces outcomes flawlessly. Cultural intelligence is key.

As a project leader, there are three things you must so to stay relevant. First, up-skill to stay abreast of current and future innovation, technology and methods. Harness your ability to learn and apply emotional agility to add value to organizations and teams that need your leadership. Engage with your organizational leaders, teams and customers to build partnerships to help guide organizations into the digital age of artificial intelligence.

Commitment to continuous learning is a cornerstone for future-ready leaders. Leaders who proactively seek to expand their knowledge and stay up to date with emerging methodologies and technologies are better equipped to lead projects in a rapidly changing world. Diversity of experience is also another key factor. Leaders who have navigated various challenges and worked across different domains bring a richness of perspective and adaptability that can be instrumental in overcoming multifaceted project hurdles. Exposure to diverse situations cultivates resilience and fosters innovative problem-solving skills which are key traits of a future project leader.

Developing project leadership is a pathway running through different milestones, in which its benefits and learnt lessons can be maximized to align with SOP’s, and to place these in order to ensure that no issues can be raised in terms of Governance. Provide a Project delivery management system focused on maximizing transparency and visibility of the development’s quality, time and cost KPI’s for design, procurement and construction productivity. Take ownership of the Project with all stakeholders, consultants and contractors. Check the construction achieves best standards for productivity, procurement and supply chain management.