Some people believe that leaders are born, not made. Others, however, think leadership skills can be developed and honed, just like any other ability.
Members of Forbes Coaches Council tend to agree with the latter theory, as many of them work closely with up-and-coming professionals to help them become better, more effective leaders. These coaches are also finely attuned to workplace trends, and based on today’s changing environment, they know what skills tomorrow’s leaders will need to succeed.
Here are 16 leadership skills that will be imperative to the future of work.
1. Fearless Agility
The speed of the market and our workplaces, powered by the constant stream of new technology and the “on demand” expectations it has created, will continue to accelerate. Leaders who can quickly yet effectively think, decide and inspire will be critical to keep up with these fast-changing competitive demands. – Bonnie Davis, Destination Up
2. Earning Respect
As the workplace evolves to become more transparent, collaborative and mindful, leaders must be equally diligent to earn respect from their team. Leaders must hold themselves responsible and accountable for the effect their influence has on their employees and the organization as a whole. Leadership should be earned anew each day. – Sheri Nasim,Center for Executive Excellence
3. Empathy
The future of leadership will revolve around our capacities to build emotional intelligence within ourselves as leaders, and those whose lives we touch. Empathy and compassion aren’t just ideals of ancient spiritual teachings; they are cornerstones for bringing people together in mutual understanding around vital, complex and sometimes alienating socio-political and economic issues. – Dave Ursillo, DaveUrsillo.com
4. Selflessness
Leaders of the future will know how to tirelessly encourage the dreams of those around them while diffusing their fears. This requires leaders to have unshakable certainty in themselves and a willingness to be generous with those they lead. – Monique Alvarez, Monique Alvarez Enterprises
5. Flexibility
The days of cubicles and 9-to-5 routines are winding down. Teams are quickly transitioning to work from remote locations, on their own time, on platforms that change every single day. Flexibility may be an old-school idea, yet it’s a principle leaders will always need. Adapting to the changing technology and millennial-created cultures continue to keep leaders fresh and effective. – Hanna Hermanson, Dream Life is Real Life
6. Committing To A Clear Vision
Upholding a vision for the future is nothing new to leadership, as are other key traits like emotional intelligence and being willing to take necessary risks. But there is something to be said for being unwavering in the pursuit of a mission and vision. Leaders who can capitalize on ways to make that future vision a reality will take their companies and staff further, faster. – Laura DeCarlo, Career Directors International
7. Listening
The pace of work, innovation and change continues to accelerate. Leaders need to be highly skilled listeners to stay ahead of the curve on what’s happening with their teams, their clients and their partners. That will require learning to listen on multiple levels, including being able to tune in better to the emotional soundtracks of those they lead, serve and work with. – Joe Casey, Princeton Executive Coaching
8. Humility
Humility is one of the behaviors I observe least often. Recognizing that, simply put, it is not all about you, is how leaders can enable their teams and their organizations to prepare for the future. Leaders should not view themselves as the most important person. Be modest about your value. Encourage others to shine rather than looking for the light yourself. – Leila Bulling Towne, The Bulling Towne Group, LLC
9. Communication And ‘Soft Skills’
“Soft skills” like communication, listening and public speaking have become crucial in the day-to-day leadership environment. Without effective communication, leaders are just figureheads. By focusing on the interpersonal interactions, leaders can reach individuals where they are and connect. – Jennifer Oleniczak Brown, The Engaging Educator
10. Steadiness While Remaining Adaptable
Technological advancements are happening at a rapid pace, which affects the way leaders do business often. Inflexible leadership causes companies to lag behind competitors, which could ultimately lead to losing market share – or worse, becoming obsolete. Staying on the cutting edge of any industry requires flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to the changes in the marketplace. – Tamiko Cuellar, Pursue Your Purpose LLC
11. Learning Quickly
The well-known skills of top leaders in the past, such as effective communication and personal branding, will always be around. But the often-overlooked trait of a top leader that has never been more important is the ability to learn quickly, over and above just the ability to recall and reformulate current knowledge. Coachability and adaptability are critical in an age of tech overwhelm. – Yuri Kruman, Master The Talk Consulting
12. Cultural Intelligence
Experience and business acumen will only take a leader so far. High-touch experiences with stakeholders and employees and the ability to deftly maneuver in social settings have become the rule, rather than the exception. Because we are becoming more globally entrenched as a society, understanding, appreciating and leveraging differences each become critical to effective leadership. – Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq., WordSmithRapport
13. Understanding The Individual
With multiple generations in the workforce at the same time, the need for individual attention is crucial. Gone are the days when leaders could enforce blanket policies and expect results. Acknowledging the differences in each team member goes a long way when leaders are trying to communicate, motivate and inspire. – Dominique Anders, Dominant Media / Dominique Anders Coaching
14. Authenticity
Authenticity encompasses trustworthiness, openness, empathy and being real. We are wary of leaders who are fake, narcissistic, secretive or self-serving. Teams are getting bolder at calling out destructive character traits that impact their livelihood and the corporate world. The best leaders today are authentic; it’s how we connect and build trust in our teams and companies. – Frances McIntosh, Intentional Coaching LLC
15. Leading Through Change
Leaders of the future have to get better at leading teams through change. The talk of the importance of change is pervasive in business conversations today, but few leaders actually understand and are good at executing change. The most powerful change skill is leveraging your people’s natural inclination to be creative through transitions. Harness that energy, and leaders will be unstoppable. – Dr. Rachel MK Headley, Rose Group, Intl
16. Versatility
Versatility across multiple areas of business is proving to be a coveted leadership trait. Gone are the days of singular expertise; businesses covet skill diversity and agility. The greater the exposure to various job functions, the easier it can be for leaders to navigate the ever-evolving world of business, adapt to changing business demands, and provide beneficial solutions. – Adrienne Tom, Career Impressions