As an executive leadership coach, my clients often ask me what skills are necessary for effective leadership today and in the future. In my experience, there are several core competencies. These traits are crucial for current and future leaders to possess. By developing these skills, leaders can build the confidence and assertiveness. They will be needed to thrive in a constantly changing organizational environment.
Here are the eight must have traits for current and future leaders to embody:
Cultural competence: As the world becomes more connected. It’s important for leaders to have cultural intelligence. This means understanding and valuing different cultural perspectives. Additionally, it’s being able to effectively communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Great leaders are open-minded, adaptable, and able to navigate cultural differences with ease.
Cohesive collaboration: No leader can succeed on their own. Great leaders know how to bring people together and build a cohesive team. They are adept at fostering collaboration, encouraging open communication, and promoting teamwork.
Technological literacy: In today’s world, being tech-savvy is essential for leaders. It’s not enough to simply have a basic understanding of current technologies and what they do. Great leaders stay up-to-date on new and emerging technologies. They know how to leverage them to benefit their organization. Additionally, they understand how to use technology to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance communication.
Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence, or the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others, is a critical leadership trait. Great leaders are self-aware and able to regulate their emotions in difficult situations. As a result, they have empathy and can effectively communicate with and motivate their team.
Innovation and creativity: In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important for leaders to be able to think creatively and adapt to change. Great leaders are able to come up with innovative solutions to problems and are open to new ideas. They are also able to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances quickly.
Adaptability and flexibility: Along with being adaptable, great leaders are also agile. They are able to make quick decisions, respond to challenges, and navigate uncertainty with ease. They are proactive, not reactive, and are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve.
Cognitive flexibility: Great leaders are able to see things from multiple perspectives and consider a range of options before making a decision. They are open-minded, able to think critically, and able to consider different viewpoints.
Coaching capabilities: Great leaders are not only focused on achieving their own goals, but also on helping their team members grow and succeed. They are skilled at coaching, mentoring, and developing their team members and are able to provide feedback and support in a way that helps individuals grow and reach their full potential.
In conclusion, these eight must-have leadership traits are essential for current and future leaders to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. By developing and honing these skills, you can become a confident and effective leader, capable of guiding your team to success.
Lead From Within: The most successful leaders are those who continuously adapt and evolve with the times, never letting their skills and traits become stagnant.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.