[March 21, 2015] Attempting to predict the future is a flawed endeavor, at least in the minds of the lesser experienced leaders. Likewise, the required attributes of tomorrow’s leaders is a persistent question asked of our current leaders. What are those traits that will be most needed and which will be discarded? Is that leadership more involved with the art of leadership?
We do know, if trends continue, is that the future will be more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). Leadership will certainly be tested frequently and harshly. Therefore, the attributes of any leader will be tested; otherwise we can expect flawed leadership and unforgiving weakness when lesser qualified leaders remain in the pool of those vying for positions of importance.
Here are a few attributes of tomorrow’s leaders that we know they must possess:
- Be able to operate on intent through trust
- Be able to deal with surprise
- Be able to recognize change and lead transitions
- Be able to understand the environment and effect of all elements of organizational power
- Be well read and experienced on difficult, highly complex matters
- Be able to understand risks, apply mitigation, and be able to articulate them
Already we see a need for leaders who can operate comfortably in unusually difficult circumstances – VUCA – while only having the smallest amount of information. That is why it is necessary for the leader to fully understand the “intent” of more senior leaders. But understanding all the technical interworking of their organization will be of lesser importance; an army general, for example, does not need to know how to disassemble a new weapon system.
“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Tomorrow’s leaders must be capable of exercising the art of leadership; that intangible element that makes a difference to the people who are responsible for the day to day effort to achieve mission success. Applying the “art” of leadership is the essence of a capable, pragmatic leader because it means operating in an environment that has no set path or road signs to guide them.
The ultimate test of tomorrow’s leader is whether things are getting accomplished in an ever evolving environment.
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