Globally and locally, the world is experiencing several challenges that have a knock-on effect across most sectors. From political and economic instability to technological disruption and climate impacts, the global landscape is as complex as ever. In times of uncertainty strong leadership is not just valuable, it’s essential.
There are several leadership styles, and I always encourage people to be flexible and adjust their approach to suit their organisation, business and culture. That said, some commonalities stand out when I reflect on what I consider quality leadership. In my view, strong leaders are:
Emotionally Intelligent — People are at the heart of leadership. Having the capacity to understand emotions, listen, practice self-awareness and manage relationships effectively is key to effective leadership
Solutions Oriented —Leaders are often called upon to address and solve problems in a measured, composed manner. Panic rarely serves anyone.
Unifiers — Strong leaders bring people together to work toward a shared goal. In high performing teams, everyone is moving in the same direction.
An unavoidable part of strong leadership involves making tough decisions and having difficult conversations. The ability to perform well in a role does not automatically translate to being a good leader. At a certain point, one’s natural career progression often involves being promoted into a leadership role. Typically, people learn the hard way that good leadership is not always easy and doesn’t necessarily come naturally. It’s like saying that a great cricketer or rugby player will automatically make for a great coach. As we know, that’s not always the case!
Ultimately, leadership is a skill that can be improved, but it requires dedication and commitment to feedback and ongoing learning. Like almost everything in life.
Challenging economic times make leadership even more demanding. It takes courage and composure. After many decades in leadership roles, here are 5 important qualities I believe help leaders navigate uncertain times.
Strong Communication Skills
Clear communication is often undervalued until it’s missing. Setting clear expectations and providing timely feedback are critical components of quality leadership. Equally important is listening and creating an environment where people feel safe to speak. Communication is a two-way street. People should never be surprised to learn they are underperforming after years in a role. Address issues as they arise, discreetly and respectfully, rather than resorting to unhelpful approaches like micromanaging.
Resilience
Even with careful planning and economic forecasting, not everything goes to plan. You can’t prepare for events like a global pandemic. The ability to stay solutions-focused and composed in the face of uncertainty is essential. People look to their leaders for stability during turbulent times.
Transparency
The most respected leaders are as transparent as possible with their teams. Most people understand that making timely and informed decisions under pressure goes hand in hand with leadership. Being open and ethical fosters trust, and trusted leaders experience lower staff turnover and higher engagement rates.
Adaptability
Nothing remains the same. Businesses that can’t adapt quickly tend to struggle the most during uncertain times. Strong leaders are open to new ideas and committed to lifelong learning. They make the best decisions with the information available and continue adjusting and tweaking things as needed.
A Commitment to Continuous Learning
We are always learning, regardless of our role and experience. Mistakes are inevitable, and as long as your team learns from them, they are not to be feared. Encourage your team to share their learning insights with you and invest in ongoing development. Digital learning platforms like OnTalent’s Amplifi make professional development more accessible and cost effective.
Remember, it’s rare for someone to stay in the same role throughout their entire career. The most in-demand and high-performing employees want to grow and evolve with their organisation, they’re not just chasing a pay cheque.
What do you believe makes someone a strong leader? Share your thoughts with us.
Deborah Wilson is a Thought Leader and a Career Strategist. She takes a personalised approach to strategic career coaching and career transitions, mentoring and leadership development. Deborah provides expert guidance for individuals while supporting organisations through change and connecting people and purpose. Call Deborah to discuss on +61 403 779 746. www.ontalent.com.au
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