“Leaders Make the Future” was published in 2009 and is focused on leadership skills that are particularly relevant in a rapidly changing and uncertain world. The book identifies ten key skills that leaders will need to master in order to succeed in the future, such as “Maker Instinct,” “Clarity,” and “Dilemma Flipping.”
Maker Instinct
The maker instinct is the drive to build and create things, to experiment with ideas, and to tinker with them. Leaders who want to succeed in the future need to cultivate this instinct and encourage it in their teams. They should create an environment where people feel free to experiment and take risks, without fear of failure.
Quiet Transparency
Quiet transparency involves being open and honest without drawing attention to oneself. Leaders who can master this skill will build trust and accountability with their teams. They should be transparent about their decision-making processes and admit when they don’t have all the answers.
Smart-Mob Organizing
Smart-mob organizing involves harnessing the power of social media and other digital tools to mobilize large groups of people. Leaders who can do this will be better equipped to build coalitions and drive change. They should embrace digital tools and platforms and use them to engage with their audiences.
Commons Creating
Commons creating involves building shared resources that benefit everyone. Leaders who can do this will be better equipped to create sustainable businesses and communities. They should prioritize collaboration and build networks of partners who share their values and goals.
Bio-Empathy
Bio-empathy is the ability to see the world through the eyes of living things. Leaders who can develop this skill will be better equipped to understand the impact of their decisions on the environment and on future generations. They should prioritize sustainability and responsible stewardship.
Clarity
Clarity is the ability to see through complexity and make sense of things. In a rapidly changing world, leaders need to be able to cut through the noise and identify what’s important. They should develop a clear vision and communicate it effectively to their teams.
Constructive Depolarizing
Constructive depolarizing involves finding common ground with people who have different views. In a world that’s becoming increasingly polarized, leaders who can do this will be better equipped to build effective teams and solve complex problems. They should encourage respectful dialogue and seek out diverse perspectives.
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping involves quickly building and testing new ideas. Leaders who can do this will be better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances and innovate quickly. They should encourage their teams to prototype early and often, and use feedback to improve their ideas.
Dilemma Flipping
Dilemma flipping is the ability to turn a problem into an opportunity. Leaders who can do this will be better equipped to handle the challenges of the future. They should encourage their teams to look for the opportunities that lie within every problem.
Immersive Learning
Immersive learning involves fully engaging with new ideas and experiences. Leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve should embrace this approach and encourage their teams to do the same. They should create opportunities for immersive learning, such as hackathons or off-site retreats.
