In recent years, we’ve witnessed a shift from so-called hard leadership skills to soft skills across many areas of society—leadership is no exception. Today, organizations and their leaders place greater emphasis on people, their needs, and relationships. Diverse personalities among employees are no longer seen as disruptive factors; instead, the best leaders of today accept and value them. They use a variety of tools to help them adapt to the different needs, reactions, and expectations of team members—so those individuals can truly thrive.
What triggered these changes in the way people are led?
It has become clear that the fast-paced, ever-changing economy driven by technological progress both demands and triggers change. But how does all of this impact the business environment, business models, organizational culture, and business mindset? We can confidently say it has opened the door for sustainability in business—where the concept plays a key role in shaping a new leadership style. More and more companies are embracing this approach, shifting their goals from profit alone to the “bigger picture.” As Dr. Nenad Savić, one of the experts in our online Leadership program, says:
“Just because a company is profitable doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. Worse yet, it can be highly profitable and completely unsustainable. That’s why we must understand the boundaries that distinguish truly sustainable companies from merely ‘sustainable’ ones. What matters is how a company contributes to environmental, social, and economic development—while also generating business value.”
Adopting new business concepts brings change—and backed by the turbulent dynamics of technology, change becomes something we all must embrace. Leaders now face the challenge of managing change. This raises many questions, such as:
How do I show people the future and get them to follow me? How do I build trust among employees? How do I make my vision a reality?
Now that we’ve set the stage, the question remains:
What kind of leader is best suited for success in this environment? What personal skills and characteristics are key for effective leadership?
Carlos Davidovich, a neuroscience expert who teaches the course How Neuroscience Can Make Leaders More Effective in the Leadership 4.0 program, says:
“Aligning brain science with leadership behavior offers the best hope for real change in leaders and within organizations. It helps us understand how our emotions and behaviors—and those of the people around us—impact our success and failure.”
The modern leader isn’t just someone with high IQ and EQ—they also need a strong AQ (Adaptability Quotient).
What tools can I use to become a successful leader?
There are certainly many tools, but let’s highlight two.
Coaching is a simple yet highly effective method proven to be a powerful way to influence and develop people. It’s also relatively easy to learn. “Coaching is gaining more and more attention among leaders who’ve decided to incorporate elements of it into their leadership style,” says Dr. Sabina Đuvelek, a coaching expert.
The second tool is leading through storytelling. Leveraging people’s emotions to guide them through change and using stories to share your vision allows you to positively influence team members and inspire them to take desired actions.
What kind of leadership style are we talking about?
This is transformational leadership—a new way of leading that encourages, inspires, and motivates employees to innovate and drive change that helps grow and shape the future success of the company.
Micromanagement is no longer an option. Trust comes first. Setting an example at the leadership level is now a top priority, supported by a strong sense of organizational culture.
Make it your priority too—become the leader of the future!
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