Leaders of the Future: Skills needed to drive Futuristic Work.

The modern workplace has entered a sophisticated and innovative era of corporate leadership – it is up to the leaders of future organizations to learn from their predecessors and create systems that enable their employees to flourish. Future leaders must be able to recognize and capitalize on the changing needs of their teams to ensure organizational success. It is essential for modern leaders of organizations to develop new ways of thinking, creating, and leading that can adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of an interconnected and competitive global environment.

Different leadership qualities can be important to look for in a future leader. A genuine commitment and passion for serving a team or organization is essential for any successful leader. Enthusiasm, energy, and resiliency are also important traits for leaders (Kidman, 2018). Additionally, being able to communicate effectively, inspiring others and being able to understand and accept diversity is important qualities to look for (Kidman, 2018). A potential leader should also be a problem-solver, able to take initiative and think strategically (Richardson and Lanovaz, 2017). Having the capacity for self-improvement, an ability to make sound decisions and being a strong decision-maker are all qualities that can help shape a successful leader. Ultimately, these qualities should be taken into account when evaluating potential future leaders.

When searching for a future leader, there are certain qualities that may make them successful. These include traits such as communication, respect, flexibility, and trustworthiness (Broadbridge and Wright, 2016). Good communicators should be able to articulate their thoughts, so that others can understand. Respect is a key factor in gaining the trust of those they will be leading. The leader should also be flexible, so they can adjust to different situations or challenges. Lastly, the leader should be trustworthy, someone who can be counted on to put the team’s needs before their own (Phipps, 2015). All together, these qualities can help create an effective leader who can motivate and inspire others.

A successful leader needs to possess certain qualities to effectively lead an organization or team. Creativity is crucial for a leader to come up with innovative solutions to problems, as well as think outside of the box to develop new strategies ("Leadership Attributes"). Problem-solving skills are essential for a leader so they can quickly and accurately process information, analyze predicaments, and come up with smart solutions ("Leadership Abilities"). Good communication is also important for a leader to be able to effectively and concisely convey instructions and messages to their team ("Communication Skills"). Finally, dedicating the necessary time and effort is a must for a leader to stay on top of their tasks and be proactive, as well as encouraging their team to do the same ("Leadership Qualities"). In conclusion, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and dedication should all be qualities that you look for in a future leader.

In the upcoming years, organizations will no longer be led by traditional "Leaders". Rather, organizations of the future will be propelled by dynamic, cross-disciplinary teams. This is because, as Peter Drucker famously stated, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” (Von Gruenigen). A strong team of innovators, developers, and creative professionals are much more likely to lead to positive change and help an organization reach its full potential than a singular leader. This shift away from hierarchical, leader-led organizations to team-focused collaboration is inevitable and is slowly being seen throughout society (Shook).

The leader of future organizations must be equipped with a variety of skills and capabilities in order to build successful and innovative teams. These competencies include effective communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong understanding of business operations. Leaders must be able to motivate, engage, and inspire their team. They must use data to inform decisions, create a culture of collaboration, and demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth. By taking the time to cultivate these qualities, future business leaders will be able to adapt to changing circumstances and drive success in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

Dr. Terry Jackson is Executive Advisor, Thought Leader Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coach, Top 10 Global Mentor, and Thinkers50 Top 50 Global Coach Transformation Coach. Dr. Jackson partners with Executives and Organizations to align Strategy, People and Processes to transform and sustain Peak Business Performance.

References

Broadbridge, A., & Wright, A. (2016). Leadership & Management: Introduction (078-006-1). Retrieved from West Sussex, England: Open Learning

Kidman, A. (2018, March 29). 10 Qualities of an Effective Leader. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashkidman/2018/03/29/10-qualities-of-an-effective-leader/#76f6062e6640

Phipps, M. (2015). Leadership Qualities for Effective Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_41.htm

Von Gruenigen, Michael. "The Leadership Team of the Future." Harvard Business Review, vol. 100, no. 3, 2018, pp. 62-70.

Richardson, A., & Lanovaz, M. (2017, January 4). 10 essential leadership skills. CIO. Retrieved from https://www.cio.com/article/2933860/leadership-management/10-essential-leadership-skills.html

Shook, John. "The End of Leadership." Harvard Business Review, vol. 96, no. 1, 2018, pp. 96-103.