We are amidst massive change – one of the most transformative periods in human history. Rapid technological advancements in recent years triggered the seismic shift, and the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic took societal and business transformation to another level.
The dark news and challenges just kept coming: Russia invading Ukraine, surging inflation, a continually polarized populace, etc. When you take all that in and look back on pre-pandemic life compared to what we’re experiencing now, it’s two different worlds.
When we look toward the future and wonder when or if these significant issues will go away, and when we think of the post-pandemic planet, what will it look like? In my view, there will be a lot of uncertainty, and it will be pronounced. There will be many more unknowns post-pandemic than pre-pandemic.
And what will that mean for leaders? They will be challenged more often to deal with change and crises, and they’ll need to think thoroughly about how they will lead people through those transitions and challenging times. It will require an emphasis on specific leadership skills. For some, it will necessitate changes in their leadership style to accommodate the changes of a more complex and demanding world. There will be a high demand for soft skills and certain personality traits in leadership.
Top Skills Leaders will Need:
- Empathy. Leaders must be much more empathetic to the plight of others and what they go through, both professionally and personally. While we will never be able to stand in their shoes, we need to listen intently to their story to better understand them, show respect for what they’re dealing with, and learn how we can help them.
- Self-awareness. Leaders should focus on this as a foundation for how they interact with others. Think often and daily about who they are, their responsibilities, their accountability, how they communicate, and how they listen. They need to get rid of the judgment of others, embrace others, and be conscious of their environment and circumstances, all while realizing the world is changing at an accelerated pace.
- In a crisis, people often gravitate to the calm, rational, and reasoned person in the room. How leaders communicate – the words and phrases we use, understanding the importance of language and how it affects attitudes – will be critically important as the workplace changes. Market forces bring new challenges to companies, and employees seek respect and balance in their lives. A crucial part of communication for leaders has the ability always to listen, no matter their hectic schedule, coupled with the ability to ask the right questions. They should be transparent and vulnerable; in the process, they will build trust and strengthen relationships.
- Being consciously and openly and expressing gratitude regularly to those around them will help leaders shape positive work cultures. During the pandemic, we should have been reminded of the importance of appreciation – appreciating the people and things we might have taken for granted too often in the pre-pandemic world.
- Even though we live in a selfish society driven by social media, there will be more emphasis on leaders having humility. The world of materiality is far less important than love and kindness, tenderness, and relationships with spouses, significant others, children, families, colleagues, and friends. There has been great pain and suffering, and we need to show a renewed sense of humility and be less self-promotional.
- I agree with Bill Gates, who says the next generation of leaders will be judged by their ability to create empowerment in those around them. It’s the notion that we can help others, give people the tools they need to succeed, and let them do it. Leaders bring out the best in others and their business with a balance of structure, trust, and freedom. Leaders should be willing and able to breed other leaders.
- Collaboration. As a leader, you need to command the facts, elevate your team, and speak with authority while allowing others to participate in the process. Leaders’ egos sometimes make them want to be the fountain of knowledge, but in times of crisis, it’s essential to open your mind to the room and all the other intelligent people in it. Leaders will need to engage in a higher degree of collaboration, working with others toward building consensus for the greater good. They have an excellent opportunity to bring people together to bring the best ideas forward. It requires a greater emphasis on inquiry, allowing people to self-discovery and express various viewpoints in an open forum.
The Real Test of Leadership
The real test of leadership occurs when the waters are rough and uncharted.
That’s where we are now and likely will be in the future. The challenge of leading will be different and more complex in the years ahead. Leaders have to prepare for that. But they and their teams can emerge more robust and unified than ever.
