Leadership in 2020

Frequently I stumble upon discussion, articles or information on leadership these days. Perhaps, the reason is my acceptance into the yearlong international leadership programme called "Homeward Bound 5" earlier this summer. The program has the aim to educate one thousand women with science background on being a leader on the climate change issue, in their societies.

The actual leadership definition has in my view been enriched by global perspective. It has been enlarged by the environment and global stakeholder theme. A leader is the one connecting global issues into the corporate administrative environment along with all individual stakeholders.

Leaders of today are demanded to think systematically on the circular economy, understanding the big systems we are a part of. There are multiple issues to these wicket problems, many places to intervene. This person needs to be such an interconnector and bring sustainability into the system thinking. All of us must understand the sustainability term, rewire our mindset towards the long-term aspect of it, and with good intent.

Times have changed

When I studied international business administration in Germany in late last century, I didn´t even imagine the importance of the global connections we have today. It surely was challenging back then, but with all the technology developed nowadays, cooperation and threats involved, the ties are much more complex.

Having to tackle challenging situations like the environmental disasters that are affecting us all, increased connection is demanded. Need for co-creating solutions, finding a common platform and integrating people. Looking at problems together, form teams and giving them focus. This demands communication skills, on the spot feedback to each other and honesty, but simultaneously encouraging one another on every level.

Be more connected.

For me, this only sounds like we need to raise the younger ones with extraordinary communication qualities, encourage the ability to tell stories and being heard. Best leaders are those memorable individuals that were able to listen, I am sure you remember someone in the past personally. And here we also come to an important skill to develop, you can´t listen if your mind is busy.

So, calm your mind.
The connectivity and integration are a part of raising the collective energy towards the universal challenges upfront.

International relations were always my thing since I spent a year as an exchange student in Puerto Rico in 1991-2. I never could have imagined that 30 years later I would participate in a leadership programme with over 75 women from around the world. It gives nothing but hope that we can strategize climate change objects together and optimism that these 1.000 women participants will become outstanding leaders.

BGlobal ❤️