Question

Drawing on the readings this unit, discuss what you consider to be some of the most compelling trends on the horizon related to leadership and leadership development. What are, in your estimation, the most critical imperatives for leaders as we conclude the second decade of the 21st century. Use examples, if you have them, from the industry in which you work.

Answer 1

As we have already stepped I the first decade of 21st century, the changes in the environmental and technological scenario have created a number of challenges for the leaders. People management or the talent management will still be the burning question in front of the leadership as in the current ear almost all the organizations are hunting to attract and retain the best talent in the industry as the organizations have realized that the secret to the success remains on their ability to have the best talent.

Effective change management is the other important issue which has to be addressed by the leaders. As we know that the business environments are ever changing or dynamic in nature and thus it is the requirement of the hour that the organizations also changes itself as per the changing scenarios. For this to succeed, an effective change management process is vital and to buy the confidence and support of the manpower to implement the changes in the organization will always be a daring task to be done by the leaders.

The skill gap in the leadership development imposes big threat in front of the organizations. Most of the top managers are not adequately enabled to deal with the latest technology and thus they lack in making the full utilization of technology for the success of the organization. Talent gap has to overcome by the firms and leaders to be more dynamic and effective.

Diversity management is the other dimensions of this challenge. With the increasing trends of a mixed population all over the world having varied backgrounds, cultural diversity and difference in opinion, diversity management will be the key to effective leadership. The organizations which can use this diversity for their success will be the real gainers in the 21^st century.