By Oyewole O. Sarumi | Ph.D.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting work environments, the definition of effective leadership is undergoing a significant life-changing moment. The ongoing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and hybrid work models has redefined the expectations placed on leaders. Today, being a successful leader is no longer just about achieving results; it’s about how those results are achieved and the impact on those who help achieve them.

As the workplace evolves, employees are seeking leaders who can communicate, lead with compassion, and set realistic expectations amongst others as discussed hereafter. These qualities are not just desirable but essential for navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

This article explores 8 of these traits in depth and introduces additional qualities that are crucial for leaders in the 21st century.

1. Strategic Vision and Long-Term Thinking

Effective leaders have a strategic vision and the ability to think long-term. They understand the importance of setting a clear direction for their organization and aligning their teams around that vision.

Leaders must be able to clearly articulate their vision and the path to achieving it. This involves not only setting long-term goals but also communicating them in a way that inspires and motivates the team. As John C. Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, noted, “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Balancing short-term and long-term goals is the duty of leadership. While it is important to focus on long-term goals, leaders must also balance this with the need to achieve short-term objectives. This requires strategic thinking and the ability to prioritize tasks and resources effectively.

2. Clear Communication

Effective communication remains at the core of successful leadership, particularly in times of uncertainty and rapid change. The ability to articulate a clear vision, direction, and priorities is critical for aligning teams and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals. Leaders who excel in communication do more than just issue directives; they explain the reasoning behind decisions, helping employees understand the broader context.

Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and clear, transparent communication is essential for building it. Employees need to feel that they are in the loop and that their leaders are being honest with them. Even when delivering unwelcome news, a leader who communicates clearly and empathetically can maintain trust and keep the team motivated.

Also, regular, constructive feedback is another crucial aspect of communication. Good leaders understand that feedback should be ongoing, not just reserved for annual reviews. By providing timely, actionable insights, leaders can help their teams continuously improve and develop. As leadership expert Ken Blanchard famously said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Is it for you?

3. Compassionate Human-Centred Focus

The modern workplace is fraught with stress and disengagement. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, a staggering 59% of employees worldwide are disengaged, with many “quiet quitting” by putting in minimal effort and feeling disconnected from their work. The same report highlights that 44% of employees experience significant stress daily, and over half are actively seeking new job opportunities.

The importance of empathy cannot be over-emphasized. In this context, compassionate leadership is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity. Leaders must demonstrate genuine care for their team’s well-being, regularly checking in on their employees and empathizing with their challenges. This human-centered approach prioritizes the person over the task, recognizing that people are the driving force behind the performance.

Building a supportive environment necessitates compassionate leaders to create environments where employees feel valued, appreciated, and heard. This involves not only recognizing contributions and celebrating successes but also showing appreciation in meaningful ways. As Maya Angelou wisely noted, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

4. Building Collaborative Teams

Collaboration is essential for achieving success in today’s complex and interconnected world. Effective leaders understand the importance of nurturing a collaborative environment where team members can work together towards common goals with independence, yet highly dependent on one another for overall success.

In this regard, promoting cross-functional collaboration is the only way. Hence, leaders should encourage collaboration across different departments and teams. This not only enhances problem-solving and innovation but also helps to break down silos within the organization. As management expert Peter Drucker noted, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”

Effective collaboration thrives from encouraging diversity of thought, so a key aspect of collaboration is embracing and assembling under-leaders with varying divergent views, thoughts, and backgrounds. Leaders of repute seek out diverse perspectives and encourage open dialogue with the team. This not only leads to better decision-making but also advances an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

5. Setting Realistic Expectations

In an age where burnout is rampant, setting realistic expectations is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. This includes clearly defining job requirements, behavioural standards, and workload sustainability. Leaders must balance ambition with achievability, ensuring that employees have a comprehensive understanding of their roles and what is expected of them.

A great challenge in today’s workplace is managing workload sustainability. So, one of the biggest issues confronting modern leadership is preventing burnout – for leaders and the led. Leaders need to be mindful of their team’s workload, ensuring that it is sustainable and allows for a healthy work-life balance. When employees are overwhelmed, it not only affects their productivity but also their overall well-being.

On the back of this is embracing work flexibility. Flexibility in work arrangements has become a non-negotiable aspect of the modern workplace. Good leaders accommodate diverse working styles and personal circumstances, offering the flexibility that enables employees to perform at their best. This not only improves productivity but also increases job satisfaction and retention.

6. Embracing Innovation and Adaptability

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to innovate and adapt is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders must be open to new ideas, technologies, and approaches, and be willing to pivot when necessary. This is especially important in an era where technological advancements are continually reshaping industries.

Let me ask you, what are you doing to encourage and nurture a culture of innovation in your section, department, or organisation? Leaders who encourage innovation create an environment where creativity and experimentation are valued. This means being open to new ideas from all levels of the organization and not being afraid to take calculated risks. As Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

Innovation exploits require a strong leverage of adaptability in leadership. We know that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is equally important, but most reluctantly prowl that route because it is laced with risk. Leaders must be able to navigate uncertainty and lead their teams through periods of change. This requires not only strategic thinking but also a flexible mindset that can adjust to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.

7. Ethical Leadership and Integrity

In an era where public trust in institutions is declining, ethical leadership and integrity are more important than ever. Leaders must not only do what is right but also be seen to do what is right.

Leaders must set the tone for ethical behavior within their organizations. This means not only adhering to the highest standards of integrity but also holding others accountable for doing the same. As Warren Bennis, a pioneer in the field of leadership studies, once said, “Leadership is not just a list of principles; it is an art. It is not just a set of things to do; it is a set of beliefs.”

Are you building a culture of integrity where you work? Ethical leaders build cultures of integrity where honesty, transparency, and accountability are valued. This not only enhances trust within the organization but also with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, and the community.

8. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Development

In today’s dynamic workplace environment, the commitment to continuous learning and development is essential for both leaders and their teams. Leaders must not only encourage their teams to develop new skills but also demonstrate a commitment to their own growth.

Great and learning organisation are continuously investing in employee development to produce an astute learning individual who in turn sustains the organisation. That is why Peter Senge noted the link between self-leadership and organizational learning thus, “Organizations learn only through individuals who learn. Individual learning does not guarantee organizational learning. But without it, no organizational learning occurs.”  Leaders who prioritize the development of their employees create a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This involves providing opportunities for training, mentoring, on-the-job training, and professional development. As John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Also, leading by example is about the integrity of your character, not your role. Mark Twain added, “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” A manager made this comment on another post, “The integrity of the leader motivates me more to do my best, than the money.” Leaders must also lead by example when it comes to learning and development. This means staying current with industry trends, seeking out new knowledge, and being open to feedback. A leader who is committed to their growth inspires their team to do the same.

“The leader sees things through the eyes of his followers. He puts himself in their shoes and helps them make their dreams come true. The leader does not say, “Get going!” Instead, he says, “Let’s go!” and leads the way. He does not walk behind with a whip; he is out in front with a banner.” Wilfred Peterson.

Conclusion

As we move further into the 21st century, the qualities that define effective leadership are evolving. Clear communication, compassionate human-centered leadership, and realistic expectations remain as essential as ever. However, leaders must also embrace innovation, encourage collaboration, commit to continuous learning, uphold ethical standards, and have a strategic vision.

These traits are not just important for navigating the challenges of today; they are crucial for building a resilient, adaptive, and successful organization that can thrive in the future. Leaders who excel in these areas will not only inspire and retain their teams but also set the standard for success in the modern workplace.

As the business environment continues to evolve, leaders must remain agile, open to change, and committed to the growth and development of their teams. By doing so, they will not only lead their organizations to success but also create a lasting impact on the people they lead.

By Oyewole O. Sarumi | Ph.D.is of the Faculty, Strategy and Leadership Development, ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos.