The New Measurement of a Leader

As Sallie Krawcheck eloquently said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it yourself.”

We are there. The future of leadership is now, and it is time to stand at the forefront.

Traditional models of leadership are being tested like never before. Business is moving faster, often with fewer resources and more disruption and uncertainty. What was emerging is now spreading rapidly, causing us to chase and catch up.

Internally, companies face pressures to innovate and stay competitive. Employees desire meaningful work as they create their future, pushing leaders to cultivate environments that are both supportive and challenging.

The leadership styles that worked before are now outdated. The comforts of past successes and familiar strategies often entice us to remain static, yet it is precisely during these times of disruption and uncertainty that a new kind of leadership is required to inspire a resilient future.

It is time to create the future of leadership. It is time to lead with CARE - the new measurement of a leader: Curiosity. Adaptability. Resilience. Empathy.

Transcend beyond the surface to the influential and strategic moves by leaning into the future-focused mindsets that will transform how you lead:

Curiosity

Leaders paint a picture of the future, so others rally around a common vision. It requires strong execution by communicating clearly, fortifying resources, and generating optimism toward the future. Leading with curiosity means focusing on what you need to unlearn—rethinking what has been tried and true, testing assumptions, and identifying outdated technology and processes to bring your vision to life.

Extend these behaviors by helping your team envision their future and find meaning in their work. By leading with curiosity, you show genuine care for their success, well-being, and purpose. While you won’t be able to meet all their needs, heightened awareness makes you more skillful in your leadership. Help employees build meaning and purpose, realize their potential, and maintain optimism about the future.

Adaptability

Change is the one constant. Businesses that are ready to adjust strategies and tactics can successfully translate their brand to meet market needs, becoming leaders in innovation and delivering stakeholder value. Start by being reflection-focused: gain insight into what helped you succeed and what caused you to falter. This understanding helps you determine what needs to be different next time to achieve business objectives better.

At its core, adaptability is about placing attention on your people and making your words count. Success is no longer about what you know but leveraging the potential and strengths of everyone to achieve optimal outcomes. Help your team create a path for growth and set intentions to position them for success. This positions you to overcome business challenges along the way and deliver on your promises.

Resilience

Focus energy where it matters most. Resiliency is a strategic choice to build your capacity to maintain strength and progress despite challenges. Stay committed to your goals, lead with facts, manage shiny objects, and stay focused and motivated during challenging times. Your ability to remain steadfast and rise above the noise is crucial for long-term success and sustainability.

Help your team see opportunities, focus on what is possible, and adapt to change effectively. Create the right conditions for your team to reflect on their performance, fuel resilience during difficulty, and inspire celebration. Engage your team in targeted conversations to help them generate solutions and gain momentum.

Empathy

As a business leader, anticipate market needs, understand changes, and identify problems that need solving. Relate to your stakeholders and embrace innovation to identify the right solutions at the right time. Empathy can drive your business to be first with the right solution, making it a competitive differentiator.

Empathy is also your differentiator as you lead others. Your team relies on you to help them grow and see purpose in their contributions to the future. Get to know what inspires them and ask questions to appreciate their outlook. By understanding others, you gain deeper self-awareness and see beyond their work contributions to what they want to achieve in life.

Create the Moment

When you lead with CARE you to stay ahead of the curve – you are no longer chasing. You are creating the moments where strategic foresight and operational excellence coexist.

Curiosity will drive innovation and keep your strategies aligned with emerging trends. Adaptability will ensure your organization can pivot swiftly and efficiently, maintaining a competitive edge. Resilience is the stability needed to rise above the noise and maintain momentum. Empathy will shape a culture of engagement and collaboration, essential for retaining top talent and meeting stakeholder expectations.

The time to lead with CARE—Curiosity, Adaptability, Resilience, Empathy—is now. This new measurement of leadership is how you will successfully stand at the forefront of lasting, positive change for yourself, your team, and your business.

Keep growing.

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