In today’s fast-paced business world, companies are constantly facing disruptive changes—from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving technologies to shifts in consumer behavior. To stay competitive, leaders must be equipped to guide their organizations through these changes effectively. An organization’s ability to thrive in times of transition is deeply tied to the strength of its leadership.

Dr. Sam Shriver, Executive Vice President at the Center for Leadership Studies (CLS), emphasizes that leadership is inherently tied to managing change. Without change, he argues, leadership would hold far less importance. So, how can leaders develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate these turbulent waters? Below are three critical skills for leaders to master and ways to develop them.

Skill 1: Agility

Traditionally, change was something that could be planned and managed. Today, however, we face rapid, large-scale changes that demand a more adaptable, agile leadership approach. Leaders must be ready to adjust strategies and processes on the fly and help their teams do the same.

Best practices for agile leadership:

• Seek feedback: Agile leaders regularly ask for feedback to identify areas for improvement—both in their own leadership and within their team’s processes.
• Foster collaboration: Innovation thrives in collaborative environments. Leaders should encourage cross-departmental collaboration to uncover new solutions and ensure they can be implemented quickly.
• Encourage continuous learning: The best leaders keep their skills sharp and encourage their teams to do the same through ongoing learning opportunities.
• Practice situational leadership: Adapt leadership styles based on the specific needs of the team and the task at hand. Situational leadership helps leaders respond effectively during periods of change, aligning their approach with the current needs of the organization and its people.

Skill 2: Communication

Effective communication is crucial during times of change. A common reason change initiatives fail is poor communication—particularly when executives craft a vision but fail to align and inform those executing the change. Leaders must ensure that their teams are consistently “in the loop” and understand the reasons behind changes.

Ways to improve communication during change:

• Conduct change interviews: Similar to “stay interviews,” these one-on-one conversations allow leaders to understand how employees feel about upcoming changes, building trust and psychological safety. These interviews help uncover resistance and allow leaders to address concerns early.
• Frequent check-ins: Regularly checking in with team members ensures challenges are addressed proactively and provides opportunities for support.
• Practice active listening: Good leaders listen more than they talk. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, demonstrating understanding, and responding appropriately, which helps build trust and improves communication flow.

Skill 3: Strategic Thinking

Leaders who excel in strategic thinking can set clear goals aligned with the company’s mission and vision. This skill is particularly important during periods of change when leaders must reassess objectives and priorities to reflect shifting business realities.

Ways to sharpen strategic thinking:

• Ask strategic questions: Effective leaders ask the right questions, which helps them anticipate challenges and generate solutions for future success.
• Consider diverse viewpoints: A strong strategic thinker seeks out different perspectives to fully understand the potential impacts of change on the business and its stakeholders.
• Learn from failure: Leaders must embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Rather than seeing setbacks as defeats, strategic thinkers use them as lessons that inform better decisions in the future.

Conclusion

The pace of change in the business world is only expected to accelerate. To stay ahead, leaders must be equipped with the skills to guide their teams through uncertainty and into future growth. By focusing on agility, communication, and strategic thinking, leaders can successfully navigate disruptions, inspire innovation, and steer their organizations toward success—no matter what challenges lie ahead.