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Leadership
5 Top Leadership Challenges for Today’s World
What do top-level leaders think is needed for leadership now and in the future?
Posted October 8, 2018
In a series of panel interviews at our Kravis Leadership Institute, we asked some high-level leaders from a variety of sectors to name the leadership challenges that young people will face in the near and distant future. Here are their top five.
1. Electronic Communication/Virtual Teams. This is already happening. Much of teamwork today takes place through electronic communication via videoconferences, shared documents, text/email, etc. Moving forward, this will increase. Many teams may rarely or never meet face-to-face, doing most of their work via electronic communication.
2. Globalization. Our leaders emphasized the importance of being “culturally intelligent” and culturally adaptable. They mentioned the importance of learning about cultural rules, business norms, and proper etiquette. “It is important to study the culture you are working in before you travel, and during your time there,” said one of our international executives.
3. Internet Over-Dependence. One of our leaders said that easy access to online data can be an unfortunate crutch that can lead to a decline in leaders’ problem-solving skills. Internet search engines should not be a substitute for creative thinking and problem-solving.
4. Information Overload. Several leaders suggested that we all need to learn how to manage information overload. “We are overcome with information – it’s like drinking from a fire hose,” said one leader. “We need to learn how to manage it all and how to recognize what’s important and relevant. Moreover, being able to store and easily access important information is critical, so management systems need to be in place and used regularly.
5. Finally, several of our panelists mentioned the importance of not over-relying on electronic communication and taking the time to meet with key constituents and collaborators face-to-face. “Get coffee together,” said one executive. Another said, “It’s important to connect directly – to break bread together and truly get to know one another at the personal level.”
I want to thank the members of the Kravis Leadership Institute Advisory Board members for these important insights.
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