The three c-suite skills that matter most

What will define executive leadership in the next decade? According to Philip Hendrickx, Managing Director at Robert Half’s Executive Search practice, there are three c-suite skills that matter most. He explains why crisis management, creativity and communication will shape businesses in the future.

The past three years have challenged the skills of executive leaders. The global trading conditions they took for granted have been turned upside down by a pandemic, a war, and the growing recognition of climate change risk. In turn, they have experienced a torrent of supply chain disruption, economic turmoil, alongside energy and food-price inflation.

We now face multiple economic, environmental and political challenges – combined with the growth of artificial intelligence – are causing widespread disruption; and they will continue to dominate boardroom discussions. So, as businesses face an era of multiple crises, what are the c-suite skills that matter most?

The ‘three Cs’ of effective executive leadership skills

I believe there are three pivotal c-suite skills: crisis management, creativity, and communication. The ability to adapt quickly in fast-changing conditions; to produce solutions for complex problems; and to keep colleagues close and cared for are all strong leadership skills that will be vital in the years ahead.

Businesses will look for leaders with crisis management experience: for example, those working in markets familiar with high inflation such as South America. These individuals will have a deep understanding of dealing with volatile supply chains and prices. They can bring their experience to European boardrooms currently experiencing the same conditions. Those with recent experience closer to home are also well placed to navigate the future.

Creativity will help executive leaders to respond. If a business has lost a factory in Ukraine, for example, it will have to replace lost revenue and a key supplier, while looking after the people it employs. In the future, executive teams will have to develop alternatives and solutions quickly, as geopolitical events unfold; this is especially important for public companies bound by quarterly reporting. The growing presence of artificial intelligence will also call for creative thinking, and new ways of doing business.

Communication has always been an important c-suite skill, but it is even more so now. Hybrid working has amplified the need for regular, clear, and kind communication with colleagues. Digital communication tools are playing a greater role for distributed workforces. Multiple crises have brought companies closer to their customers, too, keeping them up to date with price rises and supply chain challenges. Communication skills are a key tool for executive leadership.

A new era of crises, but a new era of leadership, too

A new era will demand a unique combination of c-suite skills that matter most. As profound change ripples through the commercial world, what happens next will define executive leadership for decades to come.

Multiple economic, environmental, geopolitical, and technological challenges will test executive leaders like never before. But those adept at crisis management, creativity, and communication will be at the forefront of their markets.

To read Robert Half’s Boardroom Navigator report and find out more about current attitudes towards succession planning and onboarding, click here.

About the Author

Philip Hendrickx has been a pillar of Robert Half for over 25 years, dedicating the majority of his career to establishing and expanding the firm’s executive search practice. Passionate about building strong leadership, he has successfully supported businesses across industries in appointing high-impact C-suite executives—including roles in General Management, Finance, ICT, Operations, Sales & Marketing, HR, and beyond. Before joining Robert Half, Philip developed his expertise at Reckitt Benckiser and PwC.

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