BMW has created a digital twin of its factory. It is simulated from beginning to end to train and remotely connect workers in a virtual 3D environment. Here, global teams can collaborate in real time to design and reconfigure its factories, revolutionizing their planning process and doing away with travel. Workers can travel virtually into an assembly simulation with a motion-capture suit and record task movements, while the line design is adjusted in real time to optimize line operations, worker ergonomics, and safety.
This is the future where leaders are expected to take bold transformational decisions for growth, adaptability, and willingness to have a human outlook. In fact, in a 2020 research McKinsey has highlighted that “adaptability—the ability to flexibly and efficiently learn and apply that knowledge across situations” will outlast any uncertainty. And learning won’t just be confined to upskilling, a training and development program but an ‘everyday learning’ in unconventional ways, boosting curiosity, asking questions and setting aspirations in the learning mode.
Of course ‘evergreen’ skills like integrity, transparency, communication, agility, risk management, innovation and being a good listener, will continue in the future.
But the biggest winner will be the ability to lead through disruptive dynamics with courage, empathy and creativity. These skills cannot be taught in classrooms alone. Rather, these are experiences that will continue to shape aspiring leaders as they learn that eventually great business is not just about profits, targets or getting all the ticks in the boxes right. It’s about growing and moving ahead, together.
Bold transformation -A growth mindset combined with a wide lens that is willing to take risks, fail, think of innovative solutions and ideas is a significant skill that future leads will embody. Therefore an open, adaptive and resilient mindset is critical. It’s equally important to challenge assumptions and take decisions that could have a huge impact.
Reshaping Culture - Virgin founder Richard Branson once said, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients.” He meant it. In today’s unpredictable world, Virgin offers pension, unlimited vacation, standby flights and holiday purchase facilities for it ’s employees. This example highlights that culture won’t change overnight, as it takes years to build. The magic to reshaping culture is about getting your vision right.
Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) - A Japanese convenience store FamilyMart, is experimenting with remote-controlled robots to stock shelves, enabling employees to work from anywhere using virtual reality (VR) goggles and controllers. This is a great solution to employ differently abled people. Understand that DEI is not just about hiring women but people of diverse talents irrespective of their disabilities.
Nurturing a borderless, but a collaborative workplace - ?The future is all about survival, growth and drive. Collaboration, trust and willingness to go beyond the call of duty are only possible when leaders take a backseat and empower their teams to take decisions, stand by them and listen to very voice and feedback.
Tech embrace and networking - An important skill is ensuring greater outreach for networking using technology to touch diverse talents, peers across geographies for adding more value and knowledge to business.
Role Juggler and People’s Person - The future is about multi-role-leaders who are great at work, can double up as a coach, mentor and also deal compassionately with people while juggling these roles with ease. They manage their emotions well and are cool in the most challenging situations. A leader with a positive attitude, team spirit, supportive, respectful of other people, a good listener and a good sense of humour is considered a huge plus.
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-organization-blog/its-time-to-future-proof-skill-sets-for-the-decade-ahead
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/future-of-business-leadership.html
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-leadership-skills-2063782