The pandemic has forced organisations to put greater demands on leaders to be effective in a virtual world. Today’s leaders need to be adaptable and open to new ways of leading if they are to be successful in the future. But what does that future look like?
 In this blog post, we will explore eight trends that are influencing the future of leadership.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant recent trends in leadership. The rapid development of AI technology is transforming how organisations operate and how leaders make decisions.
It can also influence major decisions such as hiring, as AI can competently perform iterative tasks such as going through thousands of CVs and finding out the best characteristics for a particular role. Thus, future leaders must be able to incorporate AI into their decision-making process.
Collaborative Organisational Structure
The traditional top-down hierarchical leadership model is no longer as effective as it once was. In today’s business environment, organisations increasingly need to be more agile and responsive to change. This means that leadership needs to be more collaborative, with a flatter structure that allows for quick decision-making. A collaborative leadership style helps organisations be more agile and responsive, making it a staple in most leadership courses taught today.
Remote Working
Just a few years ago, the thought of working from home was considered a perk reserved for a lucky few. Today, it’s a reality for many workers across the globe. Advances in technology and changes in workplace culture have driven this shift. And it has a significant impact on the way leaders need to think about their roles and responsibilities.
With more employees working remotely, there’s an increased need for leaders who can effectively manage virtual teams. This requires new skills and approaches, such as building trust and camaraderie online, giving clear direction through written communication, and providing regular feedback through video conferencing and other tools.
Soft Skill Development
As the workforce continues to evolve, the skills that leaders need to be successful are also changing. In addition to the more traditional hard skills, leaders must now possess a variety of soft skills in order to be effective.
Some of the most important soft skills taught in leadership development programs include:
- Communication: The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively is essential for any leader.Â
- Emotional intelligence: This includes being able to read people, handle difficult conversations, and resolve conflict.
- Flexibility: Leaders must adapt quickly to changing circumstances and environments.Â
- Critical thinking: Leaders must be able to evaluate information and make good judgment calls.
Corporate Ethics And Transparency
As the world of business becomes increasingly complex, the need for ethical and transparent leadership is more important than ever. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile corporate scandals. This has called for greater transparency and accountability from corporations.
This translates to a pool of future leaders who can avoid such scandals and maintain the trust of the public and their employees. Thus, the need of the hour is the humble, grounded leader who is clear with their intentions, is morally sound, and leads their organisation through this moral compass.
Inclusivity In The Organisation
The concept of inclusivity has been gaining traction in recent years as organisations strive to create a more diverse and representative workforce. This trend is likely to continue into the future as organisations seek to tap into the benefits of a broader range of perspectives and experiences.
It will also play a vital role in the future of leadership. They can do this by setting the tone from the top, championing diversity initiatives, and fostering an open culture where all employees feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. By taking these steps, leaders can help ensure that their organisations are able to reap the many benefits of inclusivity.
Rapid Shift Of Trends
The business world is constantly in flux, and the rate of change is only accelerating. As a result, the skills and attributes that make up an effective leader are constantly shifting. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to be aware of the latest trends influencing the future of leadership.
Some of the most significant trends include:
- The rise of artificial intelligence and automation.
- The rise of data-driven decision-making.
- The shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more flat, networked organisations.
However, the most essential leadership skill that may not be taught in any leadership course is the ability to be flexible and tenacious in the face of rapid change.
Outsourcing Consultants
As mentioned above, leaders need to be more collaborative and humble. This also means accepting that they may need to be more proficient at a particular skill and outsourcing consultants. With rapid globalisation and remote working services, it is more convenient than ever to enlist the help of top consultants in any industry. Hence, a competent future leader must be open to hiring one to teach or learn a particular skill. This will also send a positive message to the employees that they are allowed to question, learn and make mistakes along the way.
Future Leader Program Deakin University, Australia & KPMG In India
Looking for a leadership development program that can teach you these skills? Try out the Future Leader Program, presented by Deakin University, Australia & KPMG In India. With corporate leadership and training becoming a fast-expanding niche, this Future Leader Programme will make you competent enough to take on more tasks and build a stable, talented team. Develop rock-solid business and financial acumen and build on your pre-existing skills to become the future leader your organisation needs you to be. Enrol today!
Conclusion
The leadership landscape is constantly changing, and it can take time to keep up with the latest trends. However, by being aware of the trends shaping the future of leadership, you can position yourself as a more effective leader in the years to come.
