6 Key Leadership Skills and How to Cultivate Them- by Rebecca Knight

In this insightful article by Rebecca Knight, we learn 6 essential skills that will help leaders thrive in a rapidly changing work environment.

1) emotional aperture, 2) adaptive communication, 3) flexible thinking, 4) perspective seeking, taking, and coordinating, 5) strategic disruption, and 6) resilient self-awareness. Building these six core skills goes beyond personal growth—it's about shaping the future of work and motivating others to excel.

The way we work has changed — and so has leadership.

Kirstin Lynde, founder of Catalyze Associates, notes, "The best leaders of the 20th century were answerers of questions, defining vision and strategy from the top down. But 21st-century leaders excel by asking questions. They seek input, embrace diverse perspectives, and are curious about themselves, their teams, and their environments."

Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, a behavioral scientist at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, adds that the pandemic has left a lasting impact on leadership. "Where people were in life during the lockdown—whether beginning college, job hunting, taking on managerial roles, or balancing remote work with parenting—has shaped who they are now," he explains. "Leaders must be attuned to these shifts and ready to adapt to the varied needs of their teams."

This shift goes beyond individual changes, emphasizes Shimul Melwani, an associate professor at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School. "We’re experiencing significant technological changes with AI," she says. "Meanwhile, workers increasingly demand flexibility, purpose, and balance as organizations face a polarized values landscape."

In light of these shifts, our experts highlight six critical leadership skills for today’s workplace and offer actionable strategies to develop them.

1. Emotional Aperture

Coined by Sanchez-Burks, "emotional aperture" refers to the ability to tune into the emotional climate of a team. "It’s about reading the room, assessing the collective mood, and understanding the team’s emotional landscape," he explains. Are team members aligned, or is there underlying tension? Is everyone’s voice being heard, or are certain perspectives missing?

Leaders who develop emotional aperture foster strong relationships, which in turn drive engagement and retention. "Being able to read these cues gives you insights that help you retain talent and deepen team commitment," he notes.

Developing Emotional Aperture Sanchez-Burks suggests practicing self-reflection to build this skill, such as journaling about team interactions. Lynde recommends routine temperature checks, like asking team members to anonymously share three aspects of work they love and three frustrations. Reviewing and discussing common themes openly builds morale and trust, reinforcing that their leader genuinely cares.

Practicing outside of work is helpful, too. Sanchez-Burks suggests people-watching with purpose, observing emotional cues and reactions in public settings to improve your awareness of subtle dynamics.

2. Adaptive Communication

Adaptive communication is the ability to tailor your communication and leadership style to fit the situation and audience, a skill crucial for motivating and aligning team members. “Leaders need to connect with both hearts and minds," says Sanchez-Burks. "Understanding how others feel enables you to motivate and guide effectively.”

Becoming an Adaptive Communicator "The platinum rule—treat people as they want to be treated—has replaced the golden rule," says Lynde. Invest time in one-on-one conversations to understand team members’ perspectives and priorities. Tools like the DISC assessment can also provide insights into varying work styles, helping leaders adapt their approach to suit different personalities.

3. Flexible Thinking

With today’s rapid changes, leaders need mental agility to navigate uncertainty. “Effective leaders are open to paradox and ready to explore new perspectives,” says Melwani. Leaders who encourage openness help team members feel safe sharing ideas, fostering a creative and adaptive workplace.

Building Mental Agility Activities like mind mapping help visualize ideas and identify connections. This creative technique can be used in brainstorming sessions to explore alternative viewpoints and unlock new solutions.

4. Perspective Seeking, Taking, and Coordinating

Empathy is vital for leaders, especially as they advance. Leaders who proactively seek diverse perspectives strengthen their ability to negotiate, manage risks, and resolve conflicts. “Putting yourself in another’s shoes allows you to listen deeply and think more holistically about solutions,” says Melwani.

Enhancing Perspective-Taking Skills Regularly reflect on situations where considering others’ views could improve outcomes. Reading novels, which immerses readers in different worldviews, is a surprisingly effective way to expand empathy.

5. Strategic Disruption Skills

Leaders must now be willing to challenge the status quo, questioning outdated practices to encourage innovation and inclusion. "It’s not about rule-breaking for its own sake but rather rethinking what’s no longer serving the organization," says Melwani.

Developing Disruption Skills Encourage team input by asking for ideas on improvements in regular meetings. Embrace an agile mindset by piloting new ideas and learning from both successes and setbacks.

6. Resilient Self-Awareness

Leaders are expected to support their teams constantly, often at the cost of their own well-being. “Self-awareness means understanding your own limits and recognizing when to seek support,” says Sanchez-Burks.

Cultivating Resilience Building a support network, both professionally and personally, is essential. Seek feedback regularly from colleagues, and track your progress to strengthen both self-awareness and accountability. Sanchez-Burks also recommends taking inspiration from athletes, who balance peak performance with intentional recovery.

These insights provide a roadmap for leaders seeking to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workplace.