As we approach 2025, new challenges and opportunities mean leadership trends continue to evolve in response. The ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity is becoming more crucial than ever. Korn Ferry's Workforce 2024 Global Insights Report examines attitudes affecting employee sentiment and emphasizes the growing need for leaders to be agile learners, inclusive visionaries, and tech-savvy innovators.
By embracing these trends, organizations can develop agile, inclusive leaders who are well-prepared to navigate tomorrow’s challenges and drive organizational resilience. Throughout this article we will explore the key trends shaping the future of leadership and offer practical guidance for cultivating effective leadership.
1 Prepare Leaders for Rapid Technological Advances and the AI Revolution
Leaders will need to embody a mindset of constant learning and adaptability, staying ahead of technological advancements and integrating AI into their strategic decision-making processes. Agility in learning and proactive in practice will be key drivers of success.
Technological Adaptation and AI Proficiency
In an increasingly competitive market, leaders must anticipate change and drive technological innovation. According to Korn Ferry’s Global Workforce 2024 Survey, almost two-thirds (65.5%) of global business leaders are excited about AI's impact on their work. Most CEOs (73%) and senior executives (80%) believe AI will significantly enhance their value within the next three years. A positive approach to technology will ensure leaders use new tools and systems to maintain a competitive edge. Understanding and using AI within leadership is essential for driving efficiency and making informed decisions.
To support this, organizations should integrate AI and other emerging technologies by offering workshops and hands-on sessions for leaders to learn how relevant AI applications can increase productivity. Practical exposure like this will help demystify AI and encourage leaders to experiment with its capabilities. Additionally, encouraging AI projects across different business functions can build a holistic understanding. This way, leaders can gain diverse perspectives on AI applications, fostering a more integrated and innovative approach and achieving greater adoption of technology.
Leadership programs that embrace digital transformation ensure continuous learning and adaptability. Korn Ferry’s survey reveals that excitement about AI varies globally, with 81% of business leaders in India, 66% in the USA, and 47% in the UK feeling positive about AI's potential impact on their work. By fostering an environment where ongoing education and skill enhancement are prioritized, organizations can prepare their workforce to meet future challenges head-on. Implementing regular webinars and online courses focusing on emerging AI trends and technologies will help keep leaders informed about the latest developments, enabling them to stay current—ahead, even—and integrate new technologies into their strategic planning more effectively.
2 Promote Inclusive Leadership that Values Diversity
Inclusive leaders act as the "Connector-in-Chief," creating environments where collaboration and diverse perspectives drive innovation and business success. Emphasizing empathy and cultural competence will ensure leaders build strong, inclusive teams.
Gender and inclusivity play a significant role in employee comfort levels. According to our Global Workforce 2024 Survey, men (74%) feel slightly more at ease than women (70%) when discussing health and well-being. Inclusivity extends beyond health discussions. The ability to be one's full self at work varies widely across different levels within an organization. CEOs (78%) and senior executives (82%) report feeling the most accepted, whereas only 63% of individual contributors share this sentiment. Where possible, organizations should consider establishing a diversity council or committee to guide DE&I initiatives and promote a culture where all employees feel accepted and valued.
Leaders must create environments where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated. According to the Global Workforce 2024 Survey, perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) vary significantly. In Brazil, 30% of respondents see a lack of DE&I commitment, while in the USA, 34% think their companies are overly committed. This highlights a need for leaders to be agile and empathetic, understanding the diverse expectations within their organizations. To foster inclusive leadership, organizations should enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity through comprehensive training programs.
Equity in Leadership
Ensuring equitable opportunities for leadership development across all demographics is crucial to long-term success. The diverse perspectives highlighted in the survey indicate that leaders need to be strategic in addressing different expectations within their organizations. For 2025, leadership development programs should be made accessible to all employees, regardless of background. This will help to create equitable opportunities and provide the necessary support for underrepresented groups to thrive in leadership roles**.**
3 Equip Leaders to Manage the Evolving Workplace
Leaders will need to inspire and guide their teams through the complexities of remote and hybrid work environments. Embracing change with agility and maintaining a clear, future-focused vision will be essential for navigating this landscape.
Leaders must be adept at managing remote and hybrid teams effectively. According to the Global Workforce 2024 Survey, flexible working hours are highly valued by employees around the world, with 37.5% of respondents considering it a top priority. Support for full-time remote work varies by region, being highest in Australia (26%) and lowest in Saudi Arabia/UAE (14%). To address these evolving needs, organizations should provide remote management training to equip leaders with the skills necessary to manage remote and hybrid teams successfully.
Flexibility is a significant factor in retaining the best talent, with many employees indicating they would stay in their current roles if given flexible hours or remote work options. Seamlessly integrating relevant collaboration and productivity technology into daily workflows and ensuring leaders are proficient in these tools is crucial. Providing training and sharing best practices on how to use these tools can help leaders integrate them into their daily workflows to enhance overall productivity.
Agile Leadership and Building Trust
Developing flexible and adaptive leadership skills is essential for responding to rapid changes in the workplace. According to the survey results, preferences for flexible work options are strong across all age groups. In the UK, 30% of respondents aged 18-24 and 43% aged 45-54 prioritize flexible hours. In Australia, 36% of younger respondents and 52% of the oldest group (55-65) value flexibility. This widespread preference signifies a fundamental shift in workplace expectations. Organizations should focus on agile leadership development programs to enhance leaders' ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.
Leaders must build trust within remote and hybrid teams to maintain engagement and productivity. The data shows that embracing flexibility is a crucial aspect of modern work culture. Organizations should implement regular virtual team-building activities to foster trust and maintain team cohesion. These activities not only help remote and hybrid teams feel more connected and engaged, they lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction.