We asked our Senior Advisor, Anju Ahuja, what would be the top qualities she would look for in a leader in today’s context.
1.HAS CORE VALUES OF CONVICTION & POSITIVITY
Value-driven business leaders inspire others to stay anchored to a vision, its meaning and purpose. Leaders with conviction and positivity support an enabling environment; even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. An authentic leader is centered, optimistic yet realistic.
2. ABLE TO CONSOLIDATE MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
Actions of a leader influence and shape the lives of many stakeholders. Leaders sense the environment and foresee the effects of their decisions. Leaders play many roles that require them to be – sensitive, knowledgeable, assertive, strategic, tactical, and visionary, all at once.
3. DISPLAYS CONTEXTUAL FLEXIBILITY
A leader is proactive, always on alert for subtle shifts or disruptive changes, and is ready to respond swiftly. A Leader is a problem solver in the face of rapidly shifting priorities, contingencies, and paradigms. A leader uses adaptive mental frameworks, to deal with varied people, situations, and eventualities.
4. EMBRACES CALCULATED RISKS
Risk-taking leaders craft measurable goals. They are able to balance resources, costs, ecology, and consequences from emerging possibilities. They have enhanced self-awareness, and are deliberate learners. They are resilient and courageous to embrace the challenges of change.
5. ACTIVELY COLLABORATES & CONNECTS
A collaborative leader nurtures the spirit of teams towards shared goals. The leader builds rapport and connection to people within the organization and the ecosystem. The leader builds trust, engages, participates, and influences with authenticity and example.
6. HAS COMMITMENT TO TAKE ACTION & IMPACT
Successful leaders are relentless in their effort to realize a co-created vision and strategy. They display passion, professional intensity, and generate an enduring impact. The leader takes ownership, accountability and responsibility, for steering his team and the organization towards meaningful outcomes, positive engagement and impact.
Our thanks to Anju Ahuja for her valuable inputs.
