Today’s world leaders face enormous challenges barely even imagined by their predecessors. With the ever-evolving AI landscape, ongoing geopolitical strife, environmental factors, and social pressures, professional leaders face constant disruptions and managerial emergencies.
If leaders are to survive in the fast-paced world in which they operate, they need energy and resilience, along with a strong team of workers to back them up. Let’s take a look at some of the qualities possessed by great leaders.
Emotional intelligence, integrity and self-awareness
Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to control one’s emotions while also considering the emotions of others. It means not allowing ego or bias to interfere when making decisions.
Global leaders develop strong emotional intelligence traits as they encounter people from diverse backgrounds and situations that challenge their emotional resilience.
A good leader acts with integrity and empathy. They place the wellbeing of individuals, communities and even countries first.
Competent leaders are aware of their strengths and how to put them to good use, but there should also be an awareness of possible weaknesses and a concerted effort to improve through mentoring and study.
Knowledge is power. Keeping up to date with the latest in global politics and worldwide socio-economic situations, for example, is part of a leader’s daily routine. Today’s technology enables leaders to keep in touch with people and information at all times, even while travelling. They can also keep themselves updated on the latest developments in their field of expertise, through formal training or via online courses, podcasts or journal subscriptions.
Cross-cultural communication
Understanding different cultures and being able to converse with people from different nations on their level is key to successful leadership. A global leader must be able to negotiate, educate, or simply team up with other leaders and workers for successful outcomes. Whether it’s in commerce, international relations or community work, good communication skills and cultural intelligence make interactions much easier.
Adaptability and diversity
Leaders are constantly having to adapt. Meetings get cancelled, and emergencies arise. Policy changes may mean re-engineering a well-devised plan of action. Explosive global situations may necessitate the cancellation of trips or make plans more urgent. Leaders need to be adaptable so that they can analyze situations and act swiftly.
Dealing with different countries often means that there is diversity in the way that problems are approached and solved. Again, it comes down to understanding the different cultures and employing suitable people for the job.
Social responsibility
An important part of a leader’s job is to consider the social impact of their actions, or the actions of others, and to strive for the improvement of conditions in the areas in which they work.
This is particularly true of global leaders as they negotiate for peace and human rights around the world. Empathy and caring are essential qualities when promoting the welfare of others. Negotiations for peace in war-torn countries or advocating for human rights and policy changes require a strong leader who believes in their own ability to effect change.
Ehsan Bayat, winner of the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award, is an example of a philanthropic entrepreneur who has brought about immense changes in the lives of millions. Bayat studied and began his entrepreneurial journey in the US. Once established, he returned to the country of his birth, Afghanistan, where he pioneered gas-to-power technology and founded a philanthropic movement with the aim of improving health and education within the country.
Competence
Whether it be in a social, environmental or commercial context, effective leaders excel at what they do. When called upon to make decisions in areas that are new or foreign to them, they will have a competent team of people to back them up and give expert advice. Building trust and loyalty with their back-up team ensures continuity. Knowing who to employ and what value they can add to the team always reflects well on a good leader.
Building and maintaining a lasting legacy
The leadership qualities mentioned above are admirable and worth striving for, whether you are an aspiring global leader or not. However, an enormous amount of energy is required for this lifestyle. Behind most successful leaders is a caring partner or physical instructor making sure that self-care is part of the daily regimen, keeping body and mind in good shape, and ensuring a lasting professional legacy.