Empowering a future-ready workforce

People leaders face a critical challenge in preparing their organizations for an uncertain future. 

According to the 2023 Global Leadership Development Study by Harvard Business Review, People leaders are balancing the need to create agile, tech-savvy and empathetic teams with the complexities hybrid and remote work bring — all with little to no time or budget. 

Let’s take a look at the details of the report for our leadership and digital landscapes.

Leadership skill landscape

Leaders at every level must develop skills to navigate change in a world where change is constant. Necessary skills include risk-taking, providing clear direction in dynamic situations and navigating uncertainty.

Here’s how People leaders can help leaders prepare for change:

• Encourage risk-taking: Develop programs that foster a culture where taking calculated risks is valued.
• Improve communication skills: Implement training to help leaders communicate clearly in fast-paced situations.
• Develop skills for navigating ambiguity: Provide resources for leaders to navigate and embrace ambiguity.

Digital landscape

As technology becomes more vital, leaders must understand how to manage tech-related talent, evaluate risk and use data effectively. However, a significant gap exists for digital and data intelligence skills.

• 1.1 billion jobs could be transformed by technology in the next decade.
• Only 59% of non-senior leaders find driving digital and data intelligence essential in their roles.

How People leaders can help employees adopt and leverage new technologies:

• Digital literacy training: Implement comprehensive training for leaders at all levels to help them build tech skills.
• Prioritize data-driven decision-making: Dedicate time to learning how to leverage data for decision-making.
• Stay updated on tech trends: Regularly update training programs to align with emerging technologies like AI tools.

Keep it real.

Leadership requires skills like empathy, emotional intelligence, conflict management and DEI. Here are ways People leaders can help build strong leaders:

• Empathy training: Develop training programs to enhance leaders' empathy and communication skills.
• Conflict resolution training: Conduct workshops focusing on effective conflict management.
• DEI training: Prioritize training to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, creating a space where all employees feel safe.
• Blend learning formats: Combine live learning and asynchronous learning for a holistic approach.

Empower your leaders for the future.

Building a future-ready team starts with acknowledging challenges and taking intentional steps to bridge the gaps. By prioritizing training and development, People leaders can foster a culture of continuous improvement, resilience and adaptability. The journey toward effective leadership development begins with understanding these insights and taking practical steps to implement positive change.

‍