Leadership transcends titles and corporate hierarchies; it’s a trait accessible to anyone willing to develop the skills necessary for navigating today’s dynamic global landscape. The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Organizational Leadership program from Arkansas State University (A-State) is more than just another academic program. It’s a gateway to professional advancement, offering practical skills that set individuals apart and imbue their careers with purpose.
In his book Start with WHY, Simon Sinek highlights a crucial distinction: being a leader isn’t merely about holding the highest rank; authentic leadership emerges when others willingly follow out of genuine inspiration, not obligation.
Five Ways to Cultivate Leadership Attributes or Develop Leadership Skills
Samantha Deutschman underscores the early genesis of leadership within entry-level roles, emphasizing their importance in laying the groundwork for future growth. She advocates for a multifaceted approach encompassing initiative-taking, feedback-seeking, continuous learning, mentorship and networking — pillars that foster the five essential qualities of effective leadership:
- Visionary thinking: Fostering creativity and setting purposeful, actionable goals are key for visionary leadership.
- Effective communication: Clear and persuasive communication is crucial for effective leadership, as it enables leaders to articulate their vision and inspire others to action.
- Humility: Humility allows leaders to recognize the contributions of others and build strong, collaborative teams.
- Empowerment: Acknowledging achievements and providing growth opportunities are vital for fostering a culture of empowerment.
- Active listening: Listening with openness and understanding is essential for collaboration and building strong team relationship
Leading by Example
Beenish Abbas dispels the notion of leadership as a pursuit of personal glory, framing it instead as a journey of empowerment, guidance and mentorship. Abbas emphasizes the importance of leading by example, where actions speak volumes and serve as the lodestar for those under a leader’s tutelage. Mentoring and coaching emerge as indispensable tools for nurturing talent, alongside succession planning, to ensure continuity and sustainable leadership development.
Lifelong Learning
Maureen Huminik and Terri Rutter underscore the iterative nature of leadership development, urging individuals to chart their trajectory with intentionality. Forging a narrative that integrates every experience, Huminik and Rutter advocate for self-motivation, continuous learning, strategic planning and a commitment to positive impact. They champion a collaborative ethos that acknowledges the wealth of information existing across organizational boundaries, emphasizing the value of lateral career moves as avenues for growth.
Adaptive Learning Vital for Leaders
“Embrace the currents of leadership trends, for in their evolution lies the compass to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of success,” says Mathew Lehnig, VP of Programs at Talking Point Leadership.
Navigating today’s ever-shifting currents of modern leadership demands adaptability and agility. Leaders must confront unprecedented challenges amid a landscape characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). Success hinges on emotional intelligence, interpersonal effectiveness and a purpose-driven approach that transcends mere profit.
Remote work’s ascendance has further reshaped leadership paradigms, necessitating a focus on employee well-being, effective communication, and technological proficiency. Leaders must embrace advanced automation and artificial intelligence, leveraging data-driven insights to steer their organizations toward sustainable success.
It’s all about initiative. “Take on projects, move things forward, support other people, and contribute to problem-solving. These are things you can do from any seat,” says Rutter. Graduates of A-State’s online M.S. in Organizational Leadership program have the education and skills to serve as leaders who adapt to trends and respond to challenges to help their teams and organizations thrive.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program.