7 Key Characteristics of Successful HR Leaders in 2024
Exploring the evolution of traditional leadership models, we’ve gathered insights from seven experts, including HR managers and leadership coaches, to pinpoint defining characteristics of successful leaders in 2024. From the necessity of customization in employee retention to the importance of assertive communication and active listening, these professionals shed light on the transformative qualities shaping the future of HR leadership.
- Customization in Employee Retention
- Mentorship and Collaborative Leadership
- Cultivating Inclusivity and Belonging
- Integrating Values with Business Goals
- Adaptability and People-Centric Leadership
- Agility and Authentic Communication
- Assertive Communication and Active Listening
Customization in Employee Retention
Traditional leadership models are beginning to take into account the totality of a human’s life versus their role at work, without considering lifestyle.
One key characteristic that will define successful leaders in the HR landscape of 2024 is customization: what is an employee’s specialty, and do they work better with a 4.5-day workweek, or need to leave earlier on Tuesdays to pick their kid up from school? There will be a greater emphasis on the retention of employees through treating them well and as individuals with unique wants, needs, and goals, besides their contributions.
Stephanie Thoma
Leadership Coach, Founder and Author, Confident Introvert
Mentorship and Collaborative Leadership
Successful leaders in 2024 will be those committed to learning and coaching. They are proud to provide mentorship and are committed to the success and growth of their teams. Gone are the days when a leader simply delegates from on high; employees today have high expectations of their leadership and expect not just a democratic approach, but a transparent and collaborative one.
The charismatic visionary can still have a place in business, but they need to also be approachable and self-aware enough to recognize that today’s workforce expects more, and rightfully so.
Ali Aguilar
HR Manager, Envisionit
Cultivating Inclusivity and Belonging
The HR landscape is evolving from leaders who have been conditioned to be taskmasters to developing talent that values the importance of connection and building authentic relationships. Although results are important, it means highlighting culture as a key driver of success rather than simply to-do lists and project management skills. It means cultivating inclusivity and a sense of belonging so that people want to come to work.
In brief, the shift that is happening is about moving away from the head-centric leader to the heart-centric leader. And that means fostering our ability to listen and to meet others where they are, rather than treating them like cogs in the wheel. Conceptually, this is simple, but in practice, it requires a sophisticated approach to managing people.
Carolina Caro
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, Leadership Coach, Speaker, Facilitator, Carolina Caro LLC
Integrating Values with Business Goals
Leadership is a constant, enduring aspect of any organization. There are times when a particular leadership style prevails, whether good or bad. Both styles yield results and attain goals.
However, it’s essential to examine what happens along the way and long after your achievements. While achieving high profits or acquiring numerous accounts is possible with a negative leadership style, creating turnover or animosity during or after the process can diminish your actual returns, given the high cost of turnover. Or, it can lead to the loss of those accounts since positive, driven teams are better equipped to maintain and keep such accounts.
HR leaders need to integrate values into business goals in a manner that fosters high performance, engagement, and innovation. How goals are achieved needs to be as important as the goal itself.
Scott Johnson
HR Manager
Adaptability and People-Centric Leadership
Traditional leadership models are evolving as workplaces embrace more inclusive and collaborative approaches. In 2024, successful leaders in HR will be defined by their adaptability to change. Additionally, the ability to navigate evolving work structures, embrace diversity, and foster an inclusive culture will be crucial. Leaders who prioritize continuous learning, empathy, and flexibility will stand out.
The shift towards more agile and people-centric leadership styles reflects a recognition of the diverse and dynamic nature of modern workplaces. HR leaders need to support their teams in navigating the challenges of the evolving professional landscape.
Perry Zheng
Founder and CEO, Pallas
Agility and Authentic Communication
Successful leaders in 2024 must embrace agility, authenticity, and transparency. They must compellingly communicate their vision while empowering teams with autonomy and purpose. Hierarchy means less; human-centricity means more.
Collaboration is the new currency. With unprecedented access to data, leaders can’t hide in the corner office dictating strategy. They must engage transparently to earn trust and loyalty. Leaders who embrace this shift and lead with compassion will unlock game-changing potential in their people.
Those clinging to old models will struggle with retention and motivation challenges that inhibit success. The writing’s on the wall—the future favors leaders who inspire teams through a communicated vision and a caring, empowering approach.
Lou Reverchuk
Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal
Assertive Communication and Active Listening
As a career and leadership coach, I have noticed that many people struggle with communication skills. With the advent of hybrid and remote workplaces, effective communication has become even more challenging.
As a leader, it is crucial to communicate assertively. This means clearly stating your needs so that others can understand how they can support you. Additionally, it’s important to be curious about the other person’s perspective. Actively listen, ask questions, and be intentional about identifying their needs.
Luciana Paulise
Leadership Coach, We Culture
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