Think about this for a moment: 2030 is only five years away! What will the work world ask of you in 5 years? What will the leadership archetype and DNA be like then? What will generally be required of leaders as we move into the 2030s? It’s something to ponder in this highly disruptive era of transformative change and uncertainty. Now, more than ever, there is a fundamental pivot and shift in the business landscape. There is a divergence from what we used to think of as the traditional leader. If you have not yet started to think about this for yourself, NOW is the time to reimagine what leadership looks like for you and your organization as we approach 2030.
I recently attended The Leader of 2030 webinar hosted by executive search firm, Bridge Partners. It was an eye-opening experience that laid-out the framework for developing and identifying leaders who will thrive in this era of transformation. According to their research and corresponding report, “In the years ahead, organizations will either confidently lead change or fall victim to it. The difference will be determined by the leaders who are at the helm.”
This month, I explore the latest thinking on the future of leadership and highlight some key findings from the webinar that really spoke to me. As you read through this article, I encourage you to think about the following topics as they apply to you as a leader.
- What is a Myriad Leader? Are You One?
- Do You Have a Conscious & Intentional Leadership Mindset?
- What Skills/Competencies Do You Need to Develop Today and in the Future?
- Emerging Leaders Checklist
What is a Myriad Leader? Are You One?
When I think about what the future requires of leaders, I think about people with a broad range of expertise and experience. Long gone are the days of siloed leadership with a depth of technical expertise in only one area. Future leaders are those who adapt and evolve with the times, embracing different roles, industries, and perspectives, to navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape. A new type of leader is emerging; one that is diverse, multi-faceted, and has a wide range of global experiences…what Bridge Partners calls the Myriad Leader.
According to The Leader of 2030 report, “While the leader of the past presents as a narrowly focused expert in a single function and/or sector, the future calls for a Myriad Leader–one who brings a wide range of functional, industry and lived experiences, cognitive diversity, cross-generational insight, innovation, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.” The graph below highlights the crucial skills of a Myriad Leader.
Do You Have a Conscious & Intentional Leader Mindset?
Cultivating a high-consciousness, intentional culture and mindset is imperative for the leaders of the future. Do you have this type of mindset already? Do the leaders around you in your organization have this? These are not just buzzwords but rather tools and frameworks essential to the next generation of leaders. Leaders of tomorrow prioritize human capital and focus on employees’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. These leaders practice radical self-awareness, empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. If you’ve been reading my LinkedIn articles, you know how much I emphasize the importance of these qualities in leaders. Leaders of this kind subscribe to the two heads are better than one philosophy by harnessing the power of their people collectively. This leadership style focuses on the “we”, rather than the “me”. I hear time and time again in my own coaching practice how outdated is the traditional leadership model and how quickly we must evolve and transform to meet the needs of today’s workplace. One way to start this evolution is to practice leading with authenticity, high-consciousness and intentionality.
What Skills/Competencies Do You Need to Develop Today and in the Future?
Throughout my many years of coaching, I have catalogued a crucial list of skills and competencies that I believe are imperative for navigating the everchanging sphere of leadership. Inspiring others with a compelling vision, being resilient and adaptable, and working collaboratively are at the top of my list. It’s interesting to note that The Leader of 2030 report highlights an increase in demand for these three skills in five years. Within the category of Collaboration and teamwork I would add the sub-skill of Discernment and Delegation – and not just to other humans but including AI and other technologies.
Emerging Leaders Checklist
Rising leaders: it’s your time now to build and optimize your own leadership capabilities as well as that of your leadership team! The checklist from The Leader of 2030 report will help you strengthen the foundation of your leadership effectiveness and get laser-focused for prioritizing what skills to build next.
- Pursue Cross-Functional and Cross-Sector Opportunities: Actively seek roles or projects that give you exposure to different functions, industries, and global perspectives to develop a well-rounded leadership profile.
- Focus on Building Adaptability and Innovation Skills: Prioritize learning experiences that enhance your ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and adapt to changing environments.
- Leverage AI to Stay Ahead: Continue to familiarize yourself with AI technologies and understand how to use data-driven insights to inform decisions and lead teams effectively.
- Cultivate Cognitive Diversity in Your Approach: Be open to new perspectives and collaborate with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking to improve your problem-solving skills.
- Develop a Nonlinear Career Path: Embrace opportunities that allow for broad, multifaceted experiences across different roles, industries, and functions, ensuring you build a dynamic and adaptable leadership style.
In today’s rapidly changing world, a new leadership era is on the horizon. The DNA of this fresh leader is adaptable, diverse, human-centric and well-rounded. To not only survive, but rather to thrive, you will need to embrace this updated archetype.