What’s expected of future leaders?
In an uncertain world, executives must be open to all possibilities. Here, a top leadership development expert shares three tips for fast-tracking success.
Modern leaders must navigate complexity before they’re in the hot seat.
Leadership development used to be about setting talent on a path through a hierarchy of management roles, with an understanding that impact and complexity grew as people rose to the top. “This order to progression no longer exists,” says Vanessa Gavan, founder and joint managing director of leadership consultancy firm Maximus International. “The post-pandemic work environment is so multi-faceted and more complex than ever before. Today, there’s increasing collaboration with stakeholders outside of organisations, who influence how things work.” Gavan says new kinds of creative collaboration skills with complex stakeholder groups are now core executive skills that need to be built earlier on in careers. “Leadership centred on purpose and community has also become important. We’re finding that executives who can harness this kind of insight have more success navigating growth and uncertainty.”
Future leaders need transformation capabilities as a starter skill.
Future leaders are the team members of today who actively seek the skills to not just run a business but transform it for tomorrow. “People don’t activate change just through opening up their mind. They often need to expose themselves to parts of the business that aren’t working, trip over the truth for themselves, seek exposure and insight from leaders who have found ways to turn challenges into opportunities.” Gavan gives the example of a large global institution whose leaders needed to transform the customer experience and sought Maximus out. “We went into their offshore operations. We met with people throughout the customer value chain to see what was causing challenges. It gave the executives the insights and connections to make real changes where they would have the most effect.”
Future leaders need to have a digital mindset.
When Maximus works with clients, it focuses on qualities commonly found within fast-growth companies. “Leaders in these businesses are willing to question everything.” Maximus helps to develop these skills by building a founder’s mindset and know-how through learned experiences. For instance, they will connect with heads of industry who are able to provide examples of lessons they have learnt throughout their career. “Every leader needs to have part of themselves that is technology-led. It’s about spending time in digital arenas to understand the opportunities for their business.”
To learn about services that can sharpen your skills, visit maximus.com.au