In our last blog, we explored the importance of having an attitude of gratitude and the impact it has on our lives and overall effectiveness as a leader and human being.

This week, we are going to shift gears and give our predictions on what the key skills and competencies our future leaders will need in the coming years ahead.  

There are numerous factors such as societal changes, technological advancements, and global events that will influence this, however, we wanted to provide some insight on the overarching competencies and skills that will shape the ideal profile of leaders in the future.  

This list is not exhaustive and all inclusive. It simply highlights some of the essential skills that are necessary today and that will be required in the future as the world continues to evolve around us.

Key Skills & Competencies 

Adaptability and Resilience: It goes without saying that being adaptable and resilient are critical to navigating our rapidly changing world, marked by technological disruption, environmental challenges, and social transformations. Leaders who can adapt quickly to new situations, and remain resilient in the face of adversity, will continue to be highly valued and sought after because: 

• They can think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex problems, helping their organizations overcome obstacles and thrive in adverse conditions.
  
  
• They inspire confidence and rally their teams to embrace change rather than fear it.
  
  
• They build trust and confidence at all levels.
  
  
• They foster a culture of innovation and experimentation.
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• They understand how adversity can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and development.

These two essential leadership skills will always be pivotal to being a successful leader who can move with the times.

Being Tech-Savvy: As technology continues to advance, leaders will need to be adept at leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing to drive innovation and solve complex problems for their respective organizations.

Global Awareness and Collaboration: In an increasingly interconnected world, future leaders will need to have a deep understanding of global issues and the ability to collaborate across cultures and borders to address them effectively.

Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence: Despite the rise of automation and AI, the human element will continue to remain crucial in leadership. Leaders who are self-aware and possess high emotional intelligence, who can empathize with others, build strong relationships, and inspire trust and loyalty, will continue to be in high demand.

Strategic Visionary Thinking: Leaders who can think long-term, anticipate future trends, and articulate a compelling vision for their team and organization will inspire others to follow. You do not have to have all the answers. The key is being able to engage others and collaborate to drive strategy, growth.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: As a diverse leader, you actively seek out and embrace differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, and other dimensions of diversity within your team or organization. As an equitable leader, you strive to provide resources, opportunities, and support tailored to the specific needs of individuals or teams.  As an inclusive leader, you continually create a culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered.

Business Acumen: Knowing your business and respective industry are table stakes that will be required regardless of title, rank, or role within an organization. It’s about you being a servant leader who works collaboratively with others to achieve success.

Overall, existing, and future leadership roles require a unique combination of skills and competencies that will vary by role and industry. We view this short list as some of the most critical skills for leaders to develop now and in the future.  

What Are Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on this topic? What key skills or competencies have we missed or not focused on enough? We would love to hear from you so call me at 416-560-1806 or email me at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca.

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