Business consultant Warren Bennis defines leadership as “the capacity to translate vision into reality”. What skills will future business leaders need to develop and use this capacity?
Since its inception, leadership has sought multiple ways to develop this skill, always with the aim of responding better to business challenges. From managers to directors, the development of leadership skills is vital to implementing a real and efficient leadership in the workplace.
Over the years, different researchers have contributed ideas about necessary skills and abilities, particularly for new generations of entrepreneurs.
The leaders of the future need to develop abilities that deal with the most critical scenarios without losing the essence of real leadership. It is a priority to preserve characteristics such as assertive communication, creativity and flexibility in the development of these skills.
The following are five essential skills for business leaders of the future:
1. Assertive Communication
It may seem a cliché, but communication is the backbone of competent leadership. By maintaining open and assertive communication, it is possible to determine responsibilities effectively. The clear and concise communication between directors, managers and team members determines the collaborative quality among the different areas. The leaders who achieve the greatest impact are those who are always willing to listen to questions and comments about potential areas of opportunity.
2. Flexibility And Openness To New Ideas
Every project in a large organization or in a small-scale start-up faces the problem of having to redesign launching plans. Having flexibility to change work processes and accept new ways of operating is one of the most appreciated skills among leaders. Such aptitudes reaffirm the essence of a functional leadership which is capable of adaptation, and can guarantee the well-being of both product and employee.
3. Development Potential
Leadership figures known for their mentoring capacity generally stand out among other management figures. Offering interest and opportunities for personal and professional development to team members is currently one of the most valued capabilities. The relationships between employees and management grow stronger, promoting stability in the work environment and improving productivity. Any effort aimed at the reasonable well-being of human capital in an organization will automatically translate to a substantial improvement in the volumes and quality of production.
4. Motivation And Respect
Part of the mentoring capacity of an effective leader lies in the empowerment they give to their team members. Extending trust and respect when delegating responsibilities reinforces the idea of autonomy and avoids the risks of micromanagement. Commitment to the company on the part of employees grows, which is then clearly reflected in increases in productivity and achievement of goals.
5. Aimed At Innovation
The ultimate goal of any kind of leadership is growth, which must be anchored in a vision of innovation. The job of a leader is to seek, along with their work teams, ways for the company to grow, using the skills that have already been described. As such, the leadership of the future will be considered more as an active investment in the organization, and not simply as a management skill.
The development of leadership skills is a process in progressive growth, and potentially one of the greatest investments a company can make to strengthen itself as an organization.
