Five Key Skills That Modern Leaders Need to Excel
I’ve been doing quite a bit of one-to-one leadership coaching lately and it prompted me to write this blog. There is no doubt that today’s leaders are facing new and unprecedented challenges and some are struggling to find solutions to emerging unfamiliar issues Leadership has evolved to become more than just a title or a position in a company. Modern leadership is all about leading by example and inspiring others to be their best selves. It involves taking a holistic approach to leadership, emphasising Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, and a Growth Mindset amongst other things.
- Emotional Intelligence
One of the key aspects of modern leadership is emotional intelligence. This involves the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as being able to empathize with others and build strong relationships. A modern leader must be able to connect with their team on a personal level, understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses, and providing support and encouragement as needed. I use EQI assessments in conjunction with my leadership coaching practice. Our leadership EQI assessment is designed to measure emotional intelligence across a range of different areas, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. There is a specific leadership assessment that offers insights into the EQI skills of top-level leaders across the world – this enables leaders who take the test to critique their core skills. It also motivates them to set goals for EQI development.
- Adaptability
Another important aspect of modern leadership is adaptability. In today’s fast-paced world, things can (and do) change rapidly, and leaders must be able to react quickly and adjust their strategies as needed. This requires a willingness to embrace change, adopt a flexible mindset, and show a willingness to take calculated risks, especially in situations that challenge us.
- Growth Mindset
A growth mindset originally proposed by author and expert Carole Dweck is also crucial for modern leadership. Leaders who have a growth mindset believe that one’s abilities can be developed and improved over time through hard work and dedication. Modern leaders must be committed to continuous learning and growth, both for themselves and for their team members.
- Transparency & Authenticity
In addition, modern leadership involves a focus on transparency and authenticity. Leaders must be honest and open with their team members, be willing to own up when they make mistakes and be open and receptive to feedback and criticism. They must also be able to communicate their vision and values clearly and inspire others to share in their vision.
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Finally, modern leadership requires a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leaders must strive to create a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. This involves actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences and creating opportunities for all team members to thrive.
In my opinion, modern leadership should be viewed from a holistic perspective, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence, adaptability, growth mindset, transparency, authenticity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. By embracing these principles, leaders can inspire their team members to be their best selves, driving innovation, and growth in today’s rapidly changing economy. For more information on our leadership courses and workshops visit www.newlinkstraining.com
Janet Tumulty 27.4.23