Leading a business comes with a whole host of responsibilities and challenges. When we think of the skills a CEO needs, we often think about the tangible stuff: maybe they should have a finance background, be a great public speaker, make strategic decisions quickly.
That might be enough for yesterday’s boardroom, but the leaders of 2030 will need to cultivate a new set of skills that go beyond professional expertise.
Often dismissed as “soft skills”, future leaders will need to take a more holistic, transcendental approach to leadership to really understand and motivate their teams.
A more holistic approach to leadership
You might have heard of people talking about EQ - being emotionally switched on - and the importance for leaders.
For the leaders of 2030, it’s about taking a step beyond just EQ towards more holistic leadership styles, particularly transcendental leadership.
This style recognises that we’re not just logical, computer-esque beings, we have feelings - a spiritual side that’s shaped by our experiences.
Transcendental leadership emphasises the interconnectedness of personal well-being, corporate culture, and societal impact.
Rather than trying to keep all these parts separate, transcendental leaders aim to bring all the different parts of themselves and their experiences together to take a more holistic, authentic approach.
The impact on employees
We’re beginning to see the roots of this already as more businesses focus on team wellbeing, acknowledging that there’s no nice neat line between work and home.
A transcendental CEO recognises that their decisions don’t just affect work stuff - they have broader implications.
Leader with a more transcendental approach consider not only financial success but also the well-being of their employees and the community. It’s rooted in a deep understanding of purpose and values.
CEOs embracing this approach prioritise not only profits but also the positive impact their organisation can have on the world.
Tapping into Emotions: The Power of Belonging
One of the key advantages of a transcendental leadership style is its ability to tap into the emotions of employees.
By fostering a culture of purpose and meaning, CEOs can create a sense of belonging among their teams. Employees who feel a connection to the organisation's mission are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and dedicated to their work.
The CEO of 2030 understands the value of creating a workplace where individuals feel seen, heard, and appreciated, leading to a more motivated and dedicated workforce.
Retention: The Ripple Effect of Belonging
In any competitive business landscape, talent retention is as crucial as talent acquisition.
A CEO who prioritises emotional intelligence and transcendental leadership creates an environment where employees want to stay.
Not only does that contribute to the success of the organisation, it also means that employees - past and present - become ambassadors for the brand, creating a positive organisational culture and attracting like-minded talent.
This ripple effect is a powerful force that can set a company apart in the market.
How can you become a transcendental leader?
Becoming a transcendental CEO with high emotional intelligence is not a one-size-fits-all process. It involves a deliberate and ongoing commitment to personal development.
CEOs looking to enhance their emotional intelligence and transcendental leadership abilities must regularly take the time to reflect, assessing not just performance but values, and motivations.
It can also help to connect to a higher purpose or a deeper sense of meaning. CEOs can explore practices like mindfulness, meditation, or even volunteer work to cultivate a sense of spiritual growth. This connection to something beyond the everyday can provide clarity of purpose and contribute to a more profound understanding of oneself and others.
Our support
There’s a big shift from the skills- and qualifications-focused leadership of the past decade to the emotional intelligence and self-awareness that we’ll be asking of our CEOs next decade.
Our Transcendental Leadership Development Program has been designed to encourage conscious, purpose-driven leaders at all business levels. We’ll explore the four pillars of Transcendental Leadership to build holistic growth, emotional intelligence, authenticity, inspirational impact and transformative/sustainable leadership.
To find out more about our transcendental leadership training, get in touch by emailing us at hello@kuutch.com