
What skills do we value in today’s leaders? A significant transformation of the role of the modern CEO has made true leadership dependent on breadth of experience, and an ability to handle external relations.
Today’s – and tomorrow’s – leaders have to struggle with expectations that are changing faster than ever, according to a research paper by the Mullwood Partnership. The paper explains how, where and why the role of the CEO differs from five years ago. CEOs today must be more flexible and agile, equally adept at team-building and individual coaching as at setting strategy, and need organisations that are primed to embrace innovation and creativity, the report found. Stakeholders have higher expectations, and market conditions have become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Public scrutiny of business has intensified, with corporate leaders expected to demonstrate strong personal and professional values. The research was conducted by Jo Sellwood-Taylor and Sharon Mullen, founders of Mullwood Partnership, in partnership with Dr Sukanya Sen Gupta, associate professor at Warwick Business School. Speaking to Real Business, Sellwood-Taylor and Mullen explained that greater transparency and expectations are putting new pressures on CEOs, who need to balance short and longer term challenges.- People leadership;
- Breadth of experience;
- External relations;
- Track record of managing change;
- In-depth technical knowledge of market and sector; and
- Detailed understanding of the business.
Moving on at such a pace of change we need the best and brightest leaders to guide us through. What makes a great leader? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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