By 2030, approximately 39% of core workforce skills are expected to change or become obsolete, driven largely by the rise of AI and digital transformation. That’s mind blowing. In an interview this week, I was asked what leadership skills will be needed to lead effectively in 2030. So, I’m sharing my response with you here today. We live, lead, and work in a fast-paced world where nothing stands still. Leaders can’t afford to be complacent. You must be agile, adaptive, and willing to continually reshape your capabilities so you remain relevant and ready for change. Time never slows, but you can use it wisely to prepare for the leadership demands ahead. To lead well now and in the future, consider the skills that will serve you best as some will be industry specific.

“By 2030, approximately 39% of core workforce skills are expected to change or become obsolete, driven largely by the rise of AI and digital transformation”.

Here’s what I shared in the interview – 5 skills every leader will need in 2030.

Skill 1 – Coaching

Leaders must be guides and supporters. It’s no longer about being directive, it’s about empowering others to be the best they can be. A key function of the future leader’s role will be to empower and develop the skills of their team via coaching.

Skill 2 – Adaptability

Having the ability to be adaptive creates an edge for you as a leader to manage change and adversity. Individuals, teams and organisations see opportunities and growth when they are adaptive. Investing in leadership and training for yourself and others to be adaptable will be a great investment.

Skill 3 – Tech and More Tech

Being fluent in digital literacy is going to be a must in both life and work. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to know enough to have conversations and make decisions about technology use as an individual, for your team and or your business / industry.

Skill 4 – Human Centred or Non Technical Skills

We believe non – technical skills is a better term for human or people skills. These skills are like glue. They are the skills everyone needs outside of their technical knowledge and technical skills. Think emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills etc. I’ve seen some research that’s saying non – technical skills will outweigh technical skills by double. And I often say that there will be no room by the end of this decade for leaders that are technically proficient only. In fact, the future belongs to leaders who can lead the expertise in their teams without having to possess the technical skills themselves.

Skill 5 – Agility

Training and retraining will be required to keep pace with societal changes. Having an agile mindset is much more important than a set and forget type mindset. It must be open and curious at all times. You can become a better leader by being agile and embracing new and changing skill sets depending on the job or project you’re working on.

Over to You

So how do you stack up? Jot down the 5 skills above and give yourself a rating of your current competence out of 10 (Where 10 means you are highly competent and 0 means you have no competence at all). The number you score for each will show you where to put your time and invest your training to ensure you develop the portfolio of skills to serve you well. I’d love to hear which skills you most need to develop.

Good luck. And please feel free to reach out to me here if you think I can help in any way.

Until next time!