Leadership styles must evolve to stay relevant. Yet often, there’s a gap between what’s needed and the way many leaders operate. During the Industrial Revolution, a directive, command-and-control approach made sense. That style was aligned with the needs of the era. Despite today’s vastly different landscape, though, many leaders remain focused on KPIs, hierarchy, and top-down control. That has created a leadership crisis that’s impacting productivity, loyalty, and engagement.
Successful Leaders Are Human Leaders
The most successful leaders are authentic leaders who take a human-centered approach to motivating and engaging their people. That involves leading with empathy, collaboration, and connection. As technology continues to reshape the workplace and change accelerates across virtually every industry and job function, being human isn’t just a differentiator, it’s a leadership superpower.
These nine defining characteristics describe the most effective and respected leaders in today’s world of work. The common thread among these impactful leaders is their focus on humanity and their commitment to the people they serve. Successful leaders are:
1. Authentic
Strong leaders are authentic leaders and are crystal clear about who they are and what they stand for. They are self-aware. They know their values, vision, purpose, unique strengths, and differentiators. You never have to guess what they’re about. Although they might model behaviors of other successful leaders, they stay true to who they are, are comfortable in their own shoes, and don’t try to be someone they are not. That’s what makes them magnetic.
2. Consistent
Strong leaders are easy to follow because their behavior is steady and reliable. You don’t have to wonder about what’s important to them or how they will react to different situations. They’re both reliable and predictable. Every interaction, whether it’s a one-on-one meeting, a keynote, or a LinkedIn post, reinforces their core message and qualities. Consistency is one of the all-important three Cs of branding, and it’s core to today’s effective leaders. That’s because consistency builds trust among team members and with other internal and external stakeholders.
3. Differentiated
Great leaders don’t fade into the background. They stand out by being unapologetically themselves. They know their personal brand differentiation. Whether through a distinct point of view, a powerful skillset, a signature catchphrase, or a unique leadership style, they are recognizable because they are unique. Differentiated leaders embrace what makes them unique and use it to their advantage. Self-proclaimed irreverent CEO Sir Richard Branson is known for being non-conforming, unforgettable, and always true to his brand.
4. Relevant
Successful leaders evolve with the times. They stay attuned to the needs, challenges, and aspirations of their audiences, ensuring their message always feels current and needed. They have a growth mindset and are lifelong learners. They never rest on their laurels, remaining open, curious, and committed to remaining relevant. While being focused and present, successful leaders are also thinking about what’s next. Their mindset is expansive, and they encourage others to stretch beyond their comfort zones.
5. Visible
Respected leaders don’t hide behind titles or emails. They’re visible, available, and committed to delivering value in all that they do. Visibility isn’t about being famous. It’s about being selectively famous. That means being seen in the right spaces, by the right people, and for the right reasons. They’re present, accessible, and intentional in how they show up. They’re part of all the conversations where they can contribute something of value.
6. Credible
In addition to being visible, successful leaders are credible. They walk their talk. Their expertise, actions, and accomplishments align with the promises they make. People trust them because they back up their words with actions and results. Their credibility often comes from the acknowledgements and accolades bestowed upon them by those who know them well. Credibility is earned, not claimed.
7. Empathic
Modern leadership is built on empathy. Especially today, leaders who build powerful brands are deeply attuned to others. They put people first, creating psychological safety and connection. Doing so helps them build trust and connection. They listen, show compassion, and build cultures of inclusion and belonging. Today’s strongest leaders also use coaching techniques to lead with compassion and listen with intent.
8. Purpose-Driven
The best leadership brands stand for something bigger than just personal success. Whether it’s innovation, equity, sustainability, or another cause, they attach themselves to meaningful missions. They’re guided by values. People follow them not just for what they do, but for what they represent. With his human, visionary, and values-led approach to leadership, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella models this meaningful attribute.
9. Adaptable
Around 500 BCE, Greek Philosopher Heraclitus famously said, “The only constant in life is change.” You only need to have lived through the past five or so years to see that changes to the workplace are vast, fast, and accelerating. Markets shift, industries transform, and people change. As Robin Sharma wrote in The 5 AM Club, “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” Great leadership brands are comfortable with the challenge and chaos of change. They have a strong foundation and know how to flex, pivot, and reframe without losing their essence.
The most effective style of leadership for the modern workplace is not directive or goal-oriented, it’s human. Today’s most revered leaders leverage technology, build meaningful relationships, and inspire stakeholders to work together in support of a common mission.
William Arruda is a keynote speaker, author, and personal branding pioneer. Join him as he discusses clever strategies for using AI to express and expand your brand in Maven’s free Lightning Lesson. If you can’t attend live, register to receive the replay.