The landscape for leaders in 2023 can be summed up in one word; change. Artificial intelligence is making its entrance, demands to return to the office after the pandemic are challenging and politically much is unpredictable. The year has offered more than enough challenges and changes for leaders at all levels. Because 2024 is unlikely to slow the pace of change, experts say leaders must continue to evolve.  The consensus among career counselors seems to be:

"An overarching force is shaping which leadership skills will be necessary in the coming years and beyond, as it introduces a disruptive change that fundamentally changes the way organizations operate and how leaders lead."

With this as a backdrop, here are five skills and qualities that leaders – or indeed all employees – should aim to improve in the new year.

Conflict resolution

Competent leaders must not only ensure an inclusive community, but also manage
conflicts when they arise. The problem is that leaders themselves do not think they are very good at solving
them. A new survey of 600 leaders shows that almost 6 out of 10 say that their weakest
skill is conflict management – and that it is demanding for the team and the business.
Conflicts threaten healthy working conditions, and thus productivity. Managing relationships with
colleagues, teams, suppliers and customers is crucial to keeping it high.

Digitally mature and more technologically skilled

Leaders often want everyone else to embrace new technology, but they are not always so good at learning new technologies and methods themselves. Experts say that leaders must be ready to lead their teams through technological advances and help incorporate new technology so that it becomes part of the workflow. Encouraging the team to experiment with new technologies and methods by leading by example is important. Experts say it is encouraging that, at least when it comes to artificial intelligence, leaders are following up. One survey found that as many as 80% of leaders regularly use generative AI.

Demonstrate greater emotional intelligence

Experts emphasize that leaders should continue to develop their emotional intelligence, which includes so-called soft skills, in 2024. Being self-aware and having self-control, showing empathy, having a positive attitude and other elements of emotional intelligence are increasingly characteristics of effective leadership. In fact, studies show that a significant part of workplace success is a result of effective emotional intelligence skills.

Be more authentic.

Cultivating authenticity in leadership promotes credibility among employees and teams in the
workplace. Leadership experts advise leaders to avoid confusing authenticity with unfiltered opinions; instead
they advise thinking of it as a routine evaluation of an organization's
identity. Authenticity reflects a conscious desire to be true to oneself and others.

Communicate more effectively

Workplace conflicts and project delays can often be mitigated, or even eliminated completely, when leaders communicate clearly, consistently and purposefully, whether verbally or in writing. According to leadership experts, being a skilled communicator is a timeless skill that has relevance across various industries and job roles. However, it potentially gains even greater significance in the uncertain climate that characterizes 2024. In an era of constant change, it is crucial for organizations and leaders to avoid relying solely on outdated models for strategic planning, decision-making and communication.

Feel free to contact us for a chat.  

Contact: Rolf.svendsen@incepto.com /900 32 331