Leaders today are vastly different from leaders of the past – from being seen as ‘authoritative’ figures in the past, a majority of leaders today have adopted a more nurturing, instructional approach to managing.
In light of that, employees today place greater importance on their boss’ leadership qualities as a deciding factor in whether to take up a job, or to stay in a job. In fact, research cited by Guthrie Jensen found that 66% of employees had joined a company because they felt they would get along with their new boss. Additionally, 60% considered their boss a good leader if he/she could be decisive as well as admits their mistakes.
With this in mind, what are the key skills leaders today should have, to be a role model to their employees?
These are the 10 influential skills a leader must have in the 21st century:
- Accountability
- Responsive to feedback
- Ability to facilitate communication
- A desire to grow
- Promotes transparency
- Effective delegation
- Breaking down hierarchical boundaries
- Firm decision making
- Ready to serve
- Open to change
The infographic below illustrates in detail:
