Tired of reading articles that start with fear-mongering lines like, "In a rapidly evolving landscape of business, leaders are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties?" *thanks ChatGPT
We all get it. We feel it daily and see it in the media regularly. Ok, so now that we all agree that the world is 'going up in flames', can we focus on the balance point of that spectrum too? The world is also waking up.
It's waking up to what it truly means to be human, what heart-led leadership looks like, what courage is, what real connection can do for our careers, and how insanely talented and intelligent we are as a human species. How innovative and adaptable we are when we give ourselves just a small pause to centre ourselves again.
A New System is Surfacing
Conscious businesses are finally starting to acknowledge the importance of authentic values, purpose, flow, and creativity as an important tool to integrate all stakeholders. Not what sounds pretty or ticks the box, but what is aligned to the deeper human aspect of every stakeholder and the emerging future.
The future may be scary, but only if you're leaning on the old system to secure you. So let's talk about the new system. Well, this is where it gets shaky and why it feels like the world has gone a little off its axis. You see, it isn't completely developed yet. Why? Because we have to build it.
What I do know about the emerging future and the new system is this:
It is unable to hold unethical or corrupt actions, steering more towards collaboration and collective needs.
It is centred on the human element within fast-developing technology and AI, asking humans to reevaluate their true talents.
It is asking us to finally listen to our gut and do what livens us up, not simply follow the sacred cows.
It is inviting us to let go of everything we hold as stable and secure, reminding us that letting go brings more agility and quicker, more positive results.
It is forcing us to stop. Pay attention to our energy and physical bodies, not just as a way to maintain health but as a navigation system to make decisions.
And it is recognising that each person is unique and requires unique development, support, and leadership styles to flourish.
"It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop". Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Stepping into the Emerging Future
To thrive in this dynamic environment, cultivating a high Future Quotient (FQ) has become essential. Future Quotient is the measure of our ability to be present to the emerging future, cultivate relevant skills, release broken systems, and leverage resources to enhance resilience. It empowers leaders to make quality decisions, lead with courage, and embrace innovative ways of working.
There are imperative skills every leader should cultivate to boost their Future Quotient. These are skills we all have naturally and thus merely require some attention and ongoing nurturing. Here goes:
Generative Communication: Generative communication goes beyond transmitting information; it generates forward movement towards a shared positive outcome, stimulates inclusion, and encourages the free flow of ideas. Leaders with high FQ master the art of generative communication to increase connection with their teams and navigate diversity.
Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving: In an era of fast-paced change, leaders must harness their creative thinking skills to envision new possibilities and solve complex problems. Those with a high FQ approach challenges with an open mind, encourage collaboration, set aside "being right" or "looking good," and see problems as opportunities for growth.
Radical Resilience: Resilience is no longer just about bouncing back from setbacks; it's about relying on one's inner resources to find clarity and the next 'right' action. Leaders with radical resilience are able to soften into challenges, remaining agile, adaptive, and yet mentally and emotionally strong. High FQ leaders build radical resilience in their teams as well.
Emotional Intelligence: Leaders with high emotional intelligence can navigate the multilayered dynamics of human interactions. They seek to understand the emotions of others and how this impacts the group and outcomes. As an FQ skill, it is essential for building strong relationships, activating intuitive insight, and motivating others to give their best.
Curiosity: Curiosity is the driving force behind being an FQ leader. It is a mindset that is non-judgmental, unbiased, attentive, open, and willing to learn. Leaders who explore new ideas, technologies, and perspectives are not as common as one might think. High FQ leaders embrace a growth mindset, allowing new possibilities to arise despite inner resistance or preference.
Energy Management: Energy management is not the usual suspect in a training strategy, yet it is the foundation that supports FQ leaders to perform, to focus, and to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It involves knowing when to recharge and how one's unique rhythms impact how we show up.
You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. – Abraham Lincoln
The journey to becoming a future-ready leader begins with recognising the significance of these skills, helping build the new system, and actively integrating your wisdom into your leadership approach. Wisdom and intuition are not helpful when kept hidden. Following "what's always done" or the "most acceptable" is not helpful to your team or your customers.
So start today. Ask yourself, "What type of leader do I admire and why? How can I harvest my natural talents, skills, and ideas in order to step into this leadership style? And what is my team truly needing from me at this time? The future is what we create it to be, and it is created by our daily choices.
Want to find out more? Get in touch.
