Are we failing future leaders?

We recently surveyed 700 HR experts across Europe to understand why we are failing to build leaders fit for the future.

There is no doubt that the world of work is changing and presenting new pressures on our leaders. Whether it’s automation displacing workers, legislative and regulatory changes or simply the changing profile of our workforce, leaders are forced to deal with new challenges from all angles. It’s no wonder that 83% are anticipating an increased focus on workforce transformation in the next three years.

Yet are we keeping up with how we develop our leaders to succeed in this changing environment? Are they ready to lead your organisation into the future? Strategic intervention is required. You cannot expect leaders to organically learn the necessary skills and behaviours needed to take your organisation into the future. Especially when 33% of leaders are not actively driving their own development and career planning.

So what are the brilliant basics that will set a foundation for your leaders combined with new skills for this new age?

Brilliant basics:

1. Leadership accountability – Leadership is not just about the title. Real accountability is built on a foundation of strong standards and clear expectations – not only of themselves but of all their stakeholders

2. Giving feedback – Managers who receive feedback on their strengths show 8.9% greater profitability. It can be one of the cheapest yet most powerful tools leaders can use, yet most organisations experience a feedback famine

3. Courageous conversations – Difficult conversations can either be handled badly, handled well or avoided altogether. Confronting volatile situations early can resolve issues quickly and often strengthen relationships

4. Relationship power – With the digital revolution there remains a great power in face-to-face communications and leaders need to re-learn the subtle cues delivered in such interactions to facilitate working relationships

5. Learning leaders – The best leaders don’t just stop at the top. Continuing to learn, evaluate and step outside their comfort zone is what will set your leaders apart

New age skills:

1. Operational boldness – There is no room for the meek and mild in this new world. Success is no longer the end-product of methodical trial and error. The most revered leaders today are disruptors – they are not waiting for permission

2. Cognitive agility – Leaders need to be agile in processing and synthesising information where they learn new things from various sources and take from a volume of information the meaningful insights that can be converted into action

3. Self-care – This is a protective, sustainable stance where they know what they need and also what they do not need in their work-life to avoid burn-out

4. Community and networks influence –  To tackle efficiently complex topics and engage vast populations of managers and employees, leaders need to become 'community builders' and to care about how these business or functional communities are developing.

In business there is only one constant: change. It is therefore vital that leaders avoid the comforting path of routine and navigate their way through this new terrain with the right skills and behaviours in place. But they can’t do it alone, the right frameworks and opportunities for development are required to allow leadership to reach its true potential.

To help your leaders maximise on their potential you can find out more here or get in touch on 0207 933 8333

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