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At a time of economic uncertainty, social media and a tug-of-war between at-home and in-office work, running a business means taking on entirely new challenges current business leaders may not have ever experienced. To succeed, leaders will need to develop new skill sets and cultivate or improve certain traits that will allow them to confidently lead now and as the business landscape continues to change.
Here, the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council discuss 11 of those traits, sharing why they believe all leaders need to cultivate them in order to succeed in today’s market.
Integrity
Integrity runs through so many of the things we, as a business, do. It determines how we treat our customers, how we treat our employees and how we balance our family lives. We’re in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where it’s easy to forget — but integrity is core. Set the example for your colleagues, your vendors, your company and your family by demonstrating and living it. – Brian Framson, Citrus America Inc.
Humanity
The more real and human your connection is with team members, customers and partners, the better. Connecting on a real level through honesty, humility and lightness is paramount. It gets deals done, creates stronger bonds and makes everything more fun! – Tim Jack, Rise
Resilience
In today’s ever-changing environment, it’s vitally important to build resilience into the fabric of companies. This is important for you as a leader and equally important when coaching, mentoring and teaching across your entire organization. – Brendan Keegan, bFEARLESS Ventures
Empathy
I have seen how empathy fosters trust and collaboration among team members, encouraging open communication and inclusivity. Leaders can cultivate empathy by regularly engaging with their teams, checking in and seeking input on decisions. Creating opportunities for sharing thoughts strengthens relationships and boosts morale, ultimately motivating teams and enhancing results. – Nisaa Jetha, Impact for SDGs
Strategic Foresight
The world will change more in the coming 30 years than in the previous 300 years. This era demands visionary CEOs and founders with appetites for exponential change. Think Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. The “we have been doing it like this for 20 years” mentality will destroy any big brand in under a decade. – Igor Beuker, Igor Beuker
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
A Servant Mindset
Leadership is service. I avoid hierarchies unless they support a positive group goal. Business is a tribal affair, and democracy is a humanitarian collective one. Neither is on the shoulders of one person. Curb the ego and serve. For example, money is a group goal. If you make it “your” goal, you will soon lose the plot. Sovereign people create sovereign groups, and these groups create social peace. – Baeth Davis, YourPurpose.com
Curiosity
Too often, we see leaders step to the side when it comes to staying up to speed on trends and emerging information in their field. It’s not just your team’s responsibility to stay on top of what’s relevant — it’s also on you. By forever being hungry for information, you’re actively participating in collaboration, and that’s important when guiding and inspiring a team. – Sarah Jenkins, The Romans New York
The Ability to Ask for Help
Leaders could benefit from leaning on their networks and teams more often — not as a crutch but as a collaborative effort toward efficiency and influence in their field. It’s OK to ask for help at any stage of our careers. Verbalizing your needs is the only way people will know to offer it. This not only helps leaders but also improves morale and inclusion. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy
Long-Term Thinking
Learn to think past the next fiscal quarter. Good investments are usually long-term investments, and this is particularly true in terms of your relationships: employees, colleagues, collaborators, funders and investors. Your team and the infrastructure they build are likely your greatest assets. Cash flow matters, but it is only one part of the equation. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Authenticity
The most important trait for a leader is authenticity. If you want to be viewed as a true leader, having an authentic approach to your interactions with clients and employees is 100 percent the key to a high-functioning business. – Nathan Green, New Level Radio
Adaptability
Adaptability is a crucial trait for business leaders in today’s fast-paced market. It allows leaders to respond swiftly to changes and seize new opportunities. Cultivate adaptability by encouraging continuous learning, seeking diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of innovation. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors
