It's high time to become a leader of change - key leadership skills for a time of transformation

Transforming an organisation is no longer an option, it's a necessity. Companies that can effectively manage change gain a competitive advantage and the loyalty of stakeholders, including customers. – says Kamila Izdebska, Head of BPP Poland – The most important resource of any company is its people, so it is worth ensuring that they have the right qualifications and competencies - especially team leaders. At BPP, we help leaders acquire important and valuable skills by providing practical bespoke programmes to today's business challenges.

What skills do we believe are key for managers who want to successfully lead their teams through these changes?

Confidence and decision-making ability

Transformation is a time of operating in an environment of limited predictability, which requires leaders to be ready to make quick and appropriate decisions, based primarily on data analysis, but also on experience. Such leaders are not afraid of making decisions, including risky ones, but always well thought out.

Emotional intelligence and skilful team management

Few people like change, so it often causes stress, uncertainty and even resistance in teams. To remedy this, leaders should develop soft skills and emotional intelligence, building relationships based on trust. Skilfully motivating, inspiring and engaging employees in the transformation process is key. Open, clear communication that provides the team with clear information about the direction of change is also essential.

Strategic thinking

Transforming a company requires managers to have a broad perspective, the ability to anticipate future trends, opportunities or threats, and to move confidently across different business areas. A leader should be able to analyse data, draw conclusions and adapt strategy flexibly and wisely to changing market conditions.

Adapting quickly to change

Managing in today's and tomorrow's business environment requires leaders to constantly evolve and be willing to learn. Education doesn't stop as it once did in early adulthood, but must go on forever. Wise leaders know that if they want to support their teams in adopting new working methods, knowledge or technological tools, they themselves must acquire new competences and knowledge.

Digital competence

Recent years have shown that the biggest challenge for companies and their employees is to quickly and effectively acquire digital competence and to use new technologies in their work. Thus, the modern leader must be digitally proficient in order to be able to choose the right digital tools and use them effectively in project management and team work. Competence in Data Analysis, artificial intelligence or process automation is advisable.

While being a leader certainly isn't easy, it's worth the effort as it's a great opportunity for professional development and to influence the future of the organisation. Key skills such as courage, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and digital competence allow you to effectively lead teams in dynamic times. It's worth starting with a solid review of your competencies and strengths so you know where you have gaps and what skills you need to acquire. Investing in developing leaders is the best investment in the future of the business.

Article also published on focusonbusiness.eu/en/.