Leadership Qualities in Industry 4.0 Revolution
The first industrial revolution (mechanisation) happened in 1760s, the 2nd industrial revolution (electrification) happened in 1870s, the 3rd industrial revolution (automation) happened in 1960s, and 4th industrial revolution (digitisation) happened in 2010s.
When you observe the gap between each industrial revolution, it is clearly evident that the gap in terms of each revolution is reducing, and we can expect the next industrial revolution to happen much quicker than the previous one.
With each industrial revolution, it was inevitable for leaders to adapt and update themselves in order to be effective and drive the organisations into future with efficiency.
Leadership is essential for an organisation to drive innovation and excellence, according to Bernard Marr (futurist, and a strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies) in his column for forbes.com, leadership skills vital to success in this interconnected and technology-driven world will be:
Agility, including ability to embrace change.
Emotional Intelligence, including ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions (their’s and team’s).
Humbly Confident, “Tomorrow’s leaders will need to find a balance between confidence in their own abilities and decisions, and being humble about their place in the organization. Future leaders will take all the unique skills of the team working together to drive initiatives and leaders won’t be viewed as the critical cog to success. Tomorrow’s leaders will encourage others to shine.”
Accountability.
Big Picture Vision, including “ to strategically determine how to meet all stakeholders' needs effectively.”
Courage, as “there won’t be a clear roadmap to follow in the workplace of the future.”
Flexibility. The success formula that worked in the past will not work in the future, thanks to the changing dynamics and technological advances.
Tech Savvy. All the industries and organisations will change because of technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, big data, among others and it is very important for the leaders to understand these technologies to make effective decisions.
Intuition. “As a result of the influx of machines into the future workplace, leaders will need to be even more human. A human’s intuition is the ability to “read” what’s not being said and is at the moment a uniquely human skill. A leader who is willing to have conversations around what’s not being said and to hear the good, bad and ugly from their team will be poised for future success.”
Collaboration, including the ability to understand employees, their strengths and weaknesses and drive their professional development.
Quick learning, including constant up-skilling.
Culturally intelligent, including understanding various cultures and individuals.
Authenticity, including to build connections and trust.
Focus.
The traditional rules and assumptions for business are no longer valid. Going forward, the qualities of a leader will define stability of the organisation, along with the degree of innovation and excellence that could be achieved.
Disclaimer: These views are to give the readers a sense of latest updates only and we suggest the readers consider these inputs and views at their own discretion.