Here are five qualities of the leader of the future according to Marshall Goldsmith:
1.A future leader is focused on the future - they have a clear vision for the future and are willing to
take steps to get there.
2.They are accountable - a future leader takes responsibility for their decisions and actions, and
feels obligated to account for them.
3.They are committed to personal and professional growth - a future leader is always looking for
ways to increase their knowledge and skills. They are open to constructive feedback and criticism
and willing to learn from their mistakes.
4.They are able to build relationships - a future leader is able to build strong relationships with team
members and demonstrate commitment to them. They are willing to listen and understand the needs
of team members and provide their own contributions to help achieve common goals.
5.They are willing to change - a future leader is able to accept that the needs and conditions of an
organization can change and is willing to change direction in accordance with these changes. They
understand the importance of change and are able to incorporate change into their strategic
planning
How a leader of the future might demonstrate the qualities listed by Marshall Goldsmith:
1.A leader who is focused on the future might set long-term goals for their organization and take steps to
achieve them. For example, they might invest in new technology, explore new markets, or develop new
products and services that will position the company for growth in the years ahead.
2.An accountable leader might take ownership of a mistake and work to make things right. For example,
if a decision they made resulted in a negative outcome, they might acknowledge the mistake, apologize if
necessary, and take steps to prevent similar mistakes from happening in the future.
3.A leader committed to personal and professional growth might attend industry conferences or
networking events to learn from others in their field. They might also seek out mentors or coaches who
can help them develop new skills and perspectives.
4.A leader who is able to build relationships might take the time to get to know their team members on a
personal level, show empathy, and demonstrate that they value their contributions. They might also foster
a culture of teamwork and collaboration, where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and work together
to achieve common goals.
5.A leader who is willing to change might be open to new ways of doing things, even if they are different
from what has worked in the past. For example, they might adopt new technologies, experiment with new
marketing strategies, or adjust their business model in response to changing market conditions. They
might also be willing to challenge their own assumptions and beliefs to ensure that they are making the
best decisions for their organization.
Certainly, here are some additional qualities of a leader of the future based on clarity, creativity, and
professionalism:
1.Clarity: A leader of the future is able to communicate their vision and ideas clearly and effectively. They
can articulate complex concepts in simple terms and make sure that everyone on their team understands
what is expected of them.
2.Creativity: A leader of the future is able to think creatively and generate innovative ideas. They are open to
new and unconventional approaches, and are willing to take calculated risks in order to achieve their goals.
3.Professionalism: A leader of the future is able to maintain a high level of professionalism in all aspects of
their work. They are reliable, punctual, and respect the time and efforts of their team members. They also
conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with their organization's values and standards.
Here are some examples of how a leader of the future might demonstrate these qualities:
1.A leader who is clear in their communication might use simple, concise language when explaining a new
project or process to their team. They might also make sure that everyone is on the same page by asking
clarifying questions and encouraging team members to ask questions as well.
2.A leader who is creative might encourage their team to brainstorm new ideas and approaches, and might
create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. They might also be open to experimentation,
even if it means taking a calculated risk.
3.A leader who is professional might arrive on time to meetings, meet deadlines, and follow through on
commitments. They might also hold themselves to high ethical standards, and make sure that everyone on
their team is treated with respect and dignity.
In conclusion, a leader of the future should possess a range of qualities that enable them to successfully
navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of modern business. These qualities include a focus
on the future, accountability, commitment to personal and professional growth, relationship building skills,
clarity in communication, creativity, and professionalism. By embodying these qualities, leaders of the
future can inspire and motivate their teams, foster a culture of innovation, and drive their organizations
towards long-term success. It's important to note that these qualities are not mutually exclusive and can
work together to create an effective and dynamic leadership approach.