Attaining Leadership Development for the 21st Century

Most people find leadership a tad bit challenging. The traditional style of leadership lacks the vitality and vigor for creating adaptive, innovative and sustaining organizations needed for successful competition today. Business leaders and writers are giving some indications as to what is crucial for leaders and leadership in this new era. Intellect comes out as an attribute every leader must possess. However, much of what is being asked of leaders today cannot be solely based on intellect alone, as has been the focus of leadership development over the last 40 years. Modern times dictate leaders to bring more of whom they are as human beings to their work. There is an ever increasing need to show more balance in both intellect and the humanity. Gandhi, a celebrated leader in our history once said a person has to be the change he wants to see in the world. In other words, a person seeking to make a difference or impact in the world has to effect that change or impact on himself before exporting it to others. Therefore, while many leaders speak of creativity, innovation, commitment, empowerment and self-management, many organizations still lack exemplary role models. The models we hold firm to in leadership have come from researching the what is aspect of leadership. However, with the ever changing conditions, this model is no longer adequate. The traditional maps do not work well when the terrain shifts, and as a consequence, there is a need to go back and redefine leadership development. There are 4 inner qualities that leadership development should focus. These 4 pillars are drawn from old wisdom dating back to ingenious cultures, and they map out what every superb leader should strive to acquire. 1. Creativity

A leader should always foster a generative growth, creativity and innovation. He should tackle every situation and challenge with creativity that not only aids in problem solving, but acts as an example to all others who look up to him. This is substantially covered in leadership development. 2. Perception

A leader should always sense emergent needs in an organization, and prepare well for them 3. Emotion

Leaders should display a resilience and responsiveness informed by emotions. This helps them meet challenges in a powerful way. 4. Path finding

A leader must align individuals in an organization with the larger purpose of the organization. This is a key lesson that leadership development training must cover.