Rod Cartwright has written a great article Six lessons for the leaders of tomorrow here are some highlight points.
- Leaders’ actions, not just their words, show what the organization values. “Leading by example” tops the list of key leadership attributes, immediately followed by “communicating in an open and transparent way” – underlining the critical importance of avoiding pernicious “say-do” gaps.
- Transparency is non-negotiable. Provide it voluntarily to build trust or it will be imposed on you, whether you like it or not.
- Chart a visible course for continuously making the future better. Make no mistake – amid all of today’s pressures and challenges, the world still seeks leaders capable of showing clear, decisive vision.
- Admit mistakes, solve problems and move forward. As much as we continue to crave strong, visionary leaders, the willingness to admit mistakes is the third most important leadership attribute and a mark of strength, not weakness – as long as it is backed up by decisive action.
- Collaborate and bring others to the table to solve problems. The top “emerging” leadership attribute is the ability to build and inspire teams who will create the future – underlining the role of the leader as empowering facilitator, rather than know-it-all autocrat.
- Treat your employees as you would like your brand or organization to be treated. The most powerful leadership starts inside the organization – something leaders ignore at their peril.