In short
The problem: The modern business environment is more volatile and complex than ever. Today’s leaders face a constant stream of global disruptions, technological shifts, and evolving workforce expectations. The challenge is no longer just about managing change, it’s more about leading through it with clarity, adaptability, and purpose.
The solution: Leaders must evolve. The solution lies in cultivating a modern leadership approach grounded in strong fundamentals like strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, integrity, and adaptability while also embracing emerging styles like network leadership and quiet leadership.
The result: Leaders can guide their organisations through disruption and position them for long-term success as a result of investing in continuous learning, building resilient relationships, and integrating technology.
I remember when COVID-19 hit and managing a remote workforce felt like the biggest challenge we’d ever faced. It’s incredible how much has changed since then.
Today’s leaders must learn to navigate rough, unrelenting seas by positioning their organisations to catch the perfect break. In the face of unprecedented global challenges and accelerating technological change, timing and adaptability are everything.
What makes a good business leader?
I’ve been recruiting senior business leaders for 20 years. With Robert Half’s 97% success rate in outcomes of our retained executive searches, I have become very familiar with what a good business leader looks like.
In my opinion, good business leaders generally operate with a set of four common fundamentals:
An innate ability to clearly conceptualise and communicate business strategy to its leadership group for action
The ability to create a safe-to-fail environment that promotes collaboration and innovation
A genuine care for their people
Consistency of messaging.
Being a leader is immensely challenging. It requires actioning strong values as they seek alignment across the dimensions of the Board, Executive team, wider organisation, and, most importantly, their own professional and personal values. Yet the fundamentals of what makes a good business leader remain the same: act with integrity, lead with purpose, and stay true to your values.
Have trust in your skills and abilities. Embrace discomfort and lean in to challenging decisions, and keep listening, learning, and building relationships with integrity and purpose. The bottom line will be driven by executing a sound business strategy with discipline and empowering your people to deliver.
To me, leadership is inherently about building and managing strong relationships, and empowering connectedness – with your board, your peers, stakeholders, and teams. Some people will just repeat the old saying: ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who’, but leadership is changing, so let’s take a look at five of the top skills, styles, and qualities that make a good business leader in the workplace today:
1. Strong networks
Network leadership is among the most important styles for any aspiring C-suite leader’s checklist. Networks matter. In a commercial world, C-suite leaders are stronger when they commit to working closely with others to build or transform a business.
In 2023, a Chief survey of over 750 women in management and leadership positions found that the vast majority declared networking as key to almost every career milestone, and that strong networks were pivotal in driving operational success and revenue for business.
Over 80% of respondents had used networks to advance their careers, from simply accessing new jobs with better pay (81%) to breaking into the C-suite (84%) and joining boards (90%).
Beyond the personal gains, 85% reported having used the power of network leadership to achieve organisational goals such as winning new business, helping implement new frameworks or models (84%), leading successful projects (82%), and improving processes and/or saving money for their team or organisation.
2. Integrity and emotional intelligence (EQ)
In my experience, emotional intelligence (EQ), understanding one’s own and other people’s emotional drivers, is one of the top skills shaping modern leadership styles today.
As a leader, having integrity impacts the whole business and it is vital in assembling top-tier leadership teams. It enhances your reputation, internally and externally and, most importantly, it sets a standard for ethical behaviour within the business. Ethical leaders are more likely to make decisions for long-term rather than short-term gain, enabling staff and customer loyalty, and investor confidence, to really flourish.
Leaders with EQ are more credible, more approachable, and more honest. They aren’t afraid to say, ‘I don’t know everything.’ Strong, trusted networks enable them to respond to crises and overcome challenges quickly and ensure they’re better informed and more trusted when making tough decisions.
3. Quiet leadership
Like a high EQ, quiet leadership is a quality of many successful leaders that may surprise some readers. The true value of quiet leadership, a leadership style characterised by humility, empathy, and a focus on empowering others rather than seeking the spotlight, not surprisingly, is often overlooked.
Don’t mistake this for softness; quiet leaders are still able to make fast, smart, and difficult decisions, one of the hallmarks of a good business leader. Quiet leaders, though, lead through their actions rather than sheer physicality or words for words’ sake. They demonstrate integrity, work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to their values, which naturally inspires others to follow suit.
Apple’s Tim Cook is a great example. Is he the most dynamic, charismatic leader out there? No. But I think his emphasis on democracy and collaboration within the business, his admitted preference for ‘listening over speaking’, and his low-key public profile have all been instrumental in Apple's continued extraordinary success.
4. Commitment to continuous improvement and learning
Continuous improvement and learning is an ongoing process, and not just for employees. What makes a good business leader is someone with the self-awareness necessary to be consistently evaluating their own performance, skillset, and processes to identify areas for improvement and, importantly, someone who is willing to adapt (see Adaptability and agility, below).
When it comes to relationships it’s important to remember that no one can build a network without intent or investment. Networks need attention too; they thrive on consistent effort, mutual trust, and the exchange of ideas and insight.
In business it’s tempting to prioritise relationships, change, or processes that deliver immediate results. But the most enduring solutions and partnerships will invariably have their foundations in lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
Look at BHP and Mitsubishi (the two formed the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance in 2001), QANTAS and Boeing, Westpac and IBM; examples of some of Australia’s greatest (and most profitable!) commercial relationships that have endured for decades.
5. Adaptability and agility
Nowadays, adaptability stands out as a crucial leadership skill due to the rapid pace of technological advancements and ongoing market shifts, from warzones and elections to environmental threats, supply chain issues, inflation, and more.
Network leadership helps when leading change in a business. Good business leaders must navigate and embrace change, whether that’s adopting and integrating new technology, responding to market disruptions, or adjusting to evolving consumer demands.
Internally, they’ll need to manage their own personal biases, deal with time constraints, and manage difficult relationships and the often-competing demands of staff and teams. If C-suite leaders can create an environment in which people feel their ideas are heard (and acted on), the leaders’ internal network will be strengthened.
Adaptable leaders will both champion and actively demonstrate a culture of agility and resilience in their teams, which makes them better equipped to pivot strategy and operations quickly to stay competitive in highly challenging and disruptive commercial environments.
The future of leadership
Find your next leader
So, what should a future leader be? The integration of technology into leadership practices is no longer optional; it's vital for success today and in the future.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer the elephant in the boardroom. By the time you read this, most businesses will have adopted and integrated AI tools into their operations, even if they are still playing ‘catch-up’ with regards to regulation and governance.
Expect boards and senior leadership teams to prioritise technology heading into the near future.
Regarding networking, the power of social media knows no bounds. Social media is an essential tool for modern leadership. Popular platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn allow businesses to share insights, engage in industry discussions, and showcase their expertise, and leaders to build a strong online presence that enhances their influence and credibility.
Direct communication channels with employees, customers, and other stakeholders allow for real-time feedback, transparent communication, and (hopefully) stronger, more transparent and authentic relationships.
Effective modern leadership is based on relationships, forged over time. It is supportive and helpful to others, and a collective approach to transforming a business. A strong network will achieve great results because people feel connected, consulted, and considered. That’s why networks matter; it’s why aspiring C-suite candidates should build them; and it’s what makes network leadership one of the most desirable styles for senior leadership today.
Looking for your next leader? Let our experience take the lead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the qualities of a good leader?
A good modern leader will possess qualities such as integrity, empathy, and vision. They will demonstrate honesty and ethical behaviour, earning the trust of their teams and networks. Empathy allows them to understand and connect with their team members, and a clear vision provides direction and purpose, inspiring others to work towards common goals. Additionally, good leaders are adaptable, resilient, and effective communicators, able to navigate challenges and motivate their team through inevitable change and uncertainty.
What are the top 5 leadership skills?
Five of the top 5 leadership skills today include:
Communication: clear, transparent, and effective communication is essential for conveying vision, expectations, and feedback.
Strategic thinking: the ability to anticipate future trends, identify opportunities, and develop long-term plans that align with organisational goals.
Emotional intelligence (EQ): understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others to foster strong relationships and a positive work environment.
Decision-making: making informed, timely, and sound decisions free of ego and for the benefit of the organisation and its stakeholders.
Adaptability: being flexible and resilient in the face of change, able to pivot strategies and approaches as needed.
How can I become a better leader?
To become a better leader, focus on continuous learning and self-improvement. Seek feedback from peers and team members to understand your strengths and areas for development. Enhance your communication skills, practice active listening, and work on building your EQ. Develop your strategic thinking skills by staying abreast of industry trends and market dynamics. Cultivate adaptability and resilience by embracing change and learning from challenges. Additionally, avail yourself to others as a mentor, leading by example and demonstrating a commitment to your organisation's vision and values.
What is the difference between a manager and a leader?
A manager typically oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently, and maintaining organisational processes. Their role is often centered on administration, control, and problem-solving within established guidelines. In contrast, a leader’s role is focused on inspiring and motivating others and generally less so on the day-to-day. An organisation needs both strong management and visionary leadership to succeed.
