After some time spent reflecting on the past year, we began to look forward and asked the Chat participants to share their insights on the most critical leadership attributes of our time; attributes that will set leaders apart now and in the future.
Here is a sampling of their responses:
ValenciaRay Valencia Ray, M.D.
“Survival of the fittest” is only a paradigm, a way of society that can change. Adaptability dominates in the 21st century #leadershipchat
judymartin8 Judy Martin
A great leader exudes presence without having to draw upon the downside of charisma which can lead to arrogance. #LeadershipChat
Chris_Eh_Young Chris Eh Young
A leader has passion, but more importantly, he has purpose. #leadershipchat
knealemann Kneale Mann
We need to keep bringing actionable ideas and brave skills to the enterprise. #leadershipchat
ValenciaRay Valencia Ray, M.D.
A self-aware leader is a more collaborative leader; confidence gives space for others to be heard #leadershipchat
mikepweiss michael weiss
A leader ‘s passion comes from the love of the job and is fed by the success of the people he/she leads. #leadershipchat
danielnewmanUV Daniel Newman
I was just thinking about #Passion – another side-effect of great leadership – #Leadershipchat
bikespoke John Kosic
Leaders who inspire Gr8 Team, must trust and be trusted #leadershipchat
DavidALee David Lee
My Army experience taught me the value of training so you gain trust someone and delegate.
mckra1g Molly Cantrell-Kraig
Leaders are secure and confident in their own talents and encourage others to shine. #leadershipchat
LouImbriano Lou Imbriano
Leaders always have to evolve #leadershipchat
BarryBirkett Barry Birkett
In today’s world leaders must but be gr8 at inspiring team — need to rise to challenges #leadershipchat
profkrg Kenna Griffin
Listening/hearing. “@LisaPetrilli: What do you think is most critical for leaders today to be gr8 at? #LeadershipChat”
chieflemonhead Judi Samuels
Leaders need to be GREAT at being BRAVE enough to rise above the populous & do the right thing. #leadershipchat
JKeithDunbar JKeithDunbar
Leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers but can mobilize people resources to succeed…#LeadershipChat
samfiorella samfiorella
Most critical for leaders today – listen beyond employees to customers directly. #leadershipchat @LisaPetrilli
Chris_Eh_Young Chris Eh Young
Good leaders are never afraid to surround themselves with people smarter than them. They know it’s the best road to success. #leadershipchat
cziomek Christopher Ziomek
Leaders must be able to communicate a compelling vision and lead the effort to make it happen #LeadershipChat
DavidALee David Lee
Those problem solving skills include providing a vision and empowering others. #LeadershipChat
greghartle Greg Hartle
Most critical – Creative adaptation. #LeadershipChat
DavidALee David Lee
Today’s leaders need to have good problem solving skills to deal with “real time” crisis. #LeadershipChat
racedayrocks Tom
Adapting to new challenges #leadershipchat
The most critical attributes I gleaned from this list are:
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Vision
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Purpose
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Adaptability
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Emotional Intelligence
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Inspiring Trust
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Courage
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Problem-Solving Approach
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Self-Awareness
Every single one of these attributes resonates with me, is critical in today’s environment, and might make all the difference in our future. Most glaringly, they appear to be timeless leadership attributes!
What do you think are the most critical leadership attributes of our time? What was left off of this list?
Please share in the comments!
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RELATED POSTS:
Are the Best Leaders the Most Vulnerable?
Greater than Yourself Leadership: How to Change the World
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Photo is Follow the Leader by David Spinks.
10 Response Comments
Hi Lisa,
I think this is an excellent peice of work and very much agree with your list. We focus on ‘Leading in a Complex World’ and tend to emphasise agility (adpatability) in thinking (fluid intelligence), emotion (emotional intelligence) and behaviour (transcending habits).
Looking at the list having a high level of values, ethics and morals is not jumping out at me. Is this an area missijng from the list?
Thanks
Terry
Terry,
That’s such a great point…I think you’re right – critical point that is definitely missing. Thank you so much for adding it here, and for taking the time to provide your insight.
Lisa,
It’s a great and full list to begin with. I would call out “discernment”, though I can clearly see its effect live in words like vision, problem-solving, trust and adaptability.
Leaders are called to consciously choose and un-choose direction for their businesses and lives. Great leaders leverage truths about people and things, abide by principles and apply right judgment to realize potential. The gift of discernment enables leaders to chart the course, navigate the oceans and inspire the crew along the way.
Bill
Brilliant addition, Bill – thank you so much for bringing it to light. I couldn’t agree with you more! Thanks for taking the time to share – I sincerely appreciate it.
I love the one word answer diplomacy. That is such an important part and tactic of management. To get something done in business, you have to negotiate. That means you have to be willing to give as well as get. It also means you have to be diplomatic. You can’t go charging into a meeting and expect to get things done without being willing to give as well as get, and you have to be willing to make the other side feel comfortable. That’s diplomacy.
I also like the one about good leaders are willing to surround themselves with people smarter than them. I hired a great career coach, Donna Bradshaw of Career Advancement Coaching, because she is much smarter than me and therefore can guide me to places in my career I might not be able to venture to myself. When I managed a group in a Big 4 firm, I always tried to hire the most intelligent people, even if they were smarter than me. Then I would challenge them to take my job from me. It kept both sides on their toes.
Emotional intelligence is what I call social intelligence (basically from a business book afew years ago). It’s not just about being smart. It’s about being able to deal with people.
Thanks so much for letting us know which resonated the most with you, Henry. I was drawn to those as well. 🙂
This is a wonderful resource list and conversation, thanks Lisa!
Glad you enjoyed it, Valencia!
I wish there was a like button beside each of those quotes. Excellent selection from some great people. Thanks Lisa!
Love that idea – thanks, Jonathan!