The Leadership of the Future

Changes in the fabric of how office culture functions are quickly occurring and are crucial to acknowledge as learning leaders prepare for 2025 and beyond. One key trend that is set to revolutionize the way we work is the evolution of leadership. While workplaces of the past may have seen their executives, managers, and directors as individuals who delegate tasks, the workplaces of the future will see them as those who guide the organization toward a common innovative vision and provide space for their employees to thrive.

Learning professionals are responding to this shift by recognizing the significance of human skills for leaders and taking strides to develop those skills among current and future leaders. Skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, adaptability, and communication, or those qualities that fundamentally make us human, are coming into focus as crucial to cultivate as a successful leader.

In fact, at a recent CLO Exchange, Andrea MacKechnie, Global Head of Programs, Curriculum and Leadership at Marsh McLennan, said, “The leadership pillar that stands out above and beyond our other pillars is the ability to lead with humanity and humility.”

What’s causing the shift towards humanistic leadership? Over the past few years, factors like the post-pandemic recognition of the need for psychological safety, adjusting to hybrid workplaces, rapid technological shifts enshrining the need for greater adaptability, and the expectations of Gen Z for greater authenticity in the workplace have been driving this change.

Humanistic leadership drives organizational success by:

1. Increasing Employee Engagement and Retention: Employees who feel valued will likely be more productive and stay at the company longer.

2. Encouraging Psychological Safety: In a psychologically safe environment, employees have more space to innovate and take calculated risks.

3. Strengthening Adaptability: Humanistic leaders instill adaptability by effectively leading teams through societal and organizational change.

4. Bolstering Collaboration: Leaders with strong communication skills encourage collaboration throughout the business.

These are just a few examples. To learn exactly how L&D leaders are taking the necessary actions to future-proof leadership within their organizations, attend our panel, “The Essential Role of Human Skills in Leadership Development,” at the CLN Conference and Expo, happening April 14-16th in Los Angeles, CA.