As I survey the leadership landscape, I notice my mind traveling in two different directions — on the one hand, it's clear to me that the world is in the midst of a grave leadership crisis. On the other hand, I see more examples of outstanding leadership today than at any time I can remember. It's kind of a paradox, isn't it?

I believe that effective, conscious, and self-aware leadership is the key to success, not only in business but also in society and culture at large. I recognize the crises that are happening throughout the world, and I see the lack of leadership at the heart of so many significant issues. I hope that by providing transformative coaching and leadership development through Leaders Edge, Inc., I can improve the world in a small, but meaningful way.

I’m passionate about developing leaders and supporting them in a way that helps them avert crises before it happens. That's why I write so often about avoiding the mistakes and failures I see in leadership; I believe it's essential for leaders to understand what not to do.

I also recognize that there are emerging leaders out there who are looking for examples of how to lead the right way. So today I’m going to profile a few leaders who exemplify the qualities that I think are essential to effective leadership during these challenging times.

Let’s get started!

What Does Great Leadership Look Like in 2018?

Before diving into my list of modern leadership luminaries, I think it's important to revisit the qualities that I believe are essential to effective leadership today.

• Emotional Intelligence — Today’s leaders need to be able to understand and relate to people on multiple levels. The old-school “command and control” model of authoritarian leadership is no longer effective. Instead, today’s leaders need to be emotionally intelligent, which means being sensitive and aware. Developing emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness (a quality that is sorely lacking in the most troubled organizations), and it helps leaders inspire their people by connecting with them in more profound, more meaningful ways. Emotionally intelligent leaders drive active employee engagement, which, in turn, produces a robust bottom line.
• Effective Communication — I am always surprised when I encounter leaders who are poor communicators. And yet I see it all the time within organizations that are experiencing issues and challenges. Leaders don't necessarily have to engage in verbal gymnastics and rousing speeches; they need to know how to connect with their people an authentically. Communication should flow in all directions, and not just from the top down. Furthermore, leaders need to keep lines of communication open at all times, which means providing continuous feedback and demonstrating the ability to actively listen.
• A Desire to Do Better — Great leaders are almost never satisfied. Successful and impactful leaders don't sit back and smugly rest on their laurels, thinking that they've got everything figured out and under control. Instead, they stay focused on developing their skills and leadership attributes on a constant, continuous basis. They recognize that there's always something new to learn and that every moment represents an opportunity to improve and innovate themselves and others.

These are just a few characteristics that separate great leaders from average ones at best, and they are essential tools in today’s modern leadership toolbox.

Now let’s take a look at the leaders who demonstrate why these characteristics are so important.

Mark Bertolini, Chairman and CEO, Aetna

Mark Bertolini provides an excellent example of what effective leadership looks like when it's not solely focused on the bottom line. Bertolini developed his self-awareness and emotional intelligence through yoga and mindfulness practices that he began undertaking after a severe skiing accident in 2004. These practices have helped him transform into a more compassionate and much more effective leader.

For example, Bertolini made himself more available and open to communication within his organization, which led to the realization that employees were struggling to make ends meet and finding happiness in their lives. He increased wages, instituted health and wellness initiatives and took significant steps to combat sleep deprivation among his employees.

Because of Bertolini’s leadership efforts and his investment in his people, Aetna stock rose in price from $30/share to $153/share. Recently, Aetna was acquired by CVS Health Corp. in a blockbuster deal that Bertolini views as a major step forward in the push to improve healthcare options for the general public.

Sheryl O’Loughlin, CEO, REBBL

Like Mark Bertolini, Sheryl O’Loughlin was inspired professionally by personal difficulties. She had experienced tremendous success during her reign as CEO of Cliff Bar and Company, doubling the company’s gross revenue while instituting cutting-edge sustainability principles. She also acted as the co-founder of Plum Organics, a baby-food startup that raised $30 million in capital and skyrocketed to success before being sold successfully to the Campbell Soup Company. Her battles with depression and anorexia nearly forced O’Loughlin to leave leadership for good.

Sheryl would not be kept away from the business world for long, though. She worked diligently to heal and enhance her self-awareness, eventually authoring a book entitled Killing It! An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart. Expressing herself and her struggles opened new, more vulnerable lines of communication, that led to her accepting a position of leadership with REBBL, a beverage company that uses its profits to help eradicate human trafficking.

Sheryl O'Loughlin is now known not only for her rock-star leadership but also for her compassionate and loving style. Her advice for leaders? "Always lead from a place of love."

David Bronner, CEO, Dr. Bronner’s

The Dr. Bronner's brand is well known for its quirky sensibility and its commitment to sound values. But it's also a powerhouse organization thanks to the leadership of CEO David Bronner. In fact, the company's annual revenue has risen from $4 million in 1998 to $106 million for 2016.

Bronner, who leads his company with his brother, Michael, believes in the principles of family and treats every single employee as a member and not just a worker. The company believes so firmly in its commitment to family that it covers 100% of health insurance costs.

Treating people like family might seem like a sacrifice, but David Bronner’s emotional intelligence has convinced him that doing the right thing for his people is synonymous with doing the right thing for his company. Bronner has deeply-held values about how to run his company the right way, and those values are the key to innovation and communication within his organization. His company may operate in unconventional ways, but you cannot argue with the results he’s achieved!

What Modern Leaders Inspire You?

These three leaders inspire me and give me hope that the current leadership landscape does not have to be characterized by crisis and is, more importantly, focused on doing right by, and for, your people. I know that there are many more examples of great leaders out there and I’d love to hear from you about the leaders you find inspiring. What leaders give you hope? What lessons have you learned from leaders of today who are doing it right?

Contact me at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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