What will leadership in 2024 look like for you? That depends on your goals and vision for your role and how it fits with your organization’s goals, of course. However, it’s always good to review what has worked, what hasn’t, and then create a plan of action so you can excel as a servant-based leader. Check out our list of trending skills and competencies that can help you stand out.

Your team needs you to be their North Star, guiding them with a strong, confident hand; one that role models all the qualities of a caring, organized, communicative, and responsive leader. Being a confident leader means tapping your inner guide to help you stay on course with your own North Star. By exuding confidence at every turn, your people will build confidence in what they do, knowing they have your full support.

One of the worst things a leader can do is create ambiguity around deliverables. These days, the pace of work is faster and more challenging than ever. In some cases, less staff are doing more work, plus we are also managing hybrid or fully remote workplaces. It’s up to leaders to ensure they clearly communicate requirements and expectations around every task, no matter how small or straightforward, so their team can work efficiently right from the start.

Managing your own overwhelm is like putting on your oxygen mask before you help others do the same. These days, everyone is overwhelmed at work, and it’s your job as a leader to role model best practices for communication, time management, project management, and more. When you set realistic goals and expectations for your team, you’ll not only boost employee engagement but you’ll be helping them shine as valued contributors to the organization.

No one likes to be overwhelmed at work. Smart leaders understand this and know how to prioritize their tasks, their team's tasks, and put the right people on the job. Since your people are your business, it makes sense to work with them to optimize their strengths and collaborate with them every step of the way. That, in itself, can alleviate stressors for them and you, and ultimately demonstrate your proficiency as a leader.

Like any soft skill, mindfulness is essential to the leadership role. Self-aware and mindful leaders are constantly working on their own journeys as people to help enrich their own lives and those around them. When you incorporate mindfulness practices into your life, you open your mind to possibilities, you see the possibilities in others, and thereby, bring more value to your organization.

How we align ourselves to our life purpose is a big part of how we show up at work. Being a servant leader means doing everything we can to support the people around us. What does the ideal scenario look like to you, and how can you make it happen? Start by taking time out to take a look at your goals, not just in a business sense, but for yourself as a person. Every leader who does this shows both vulnerability and strength, which brings much value both personally and professionally.

Stress is a common denominator across workplaces around the world. The trick is to drill down what stress means in your particular workplace and customize approaches that benefit your people, both on an individual and organizational level. Everyone experiences stress differently, and astute leaders know that they can still empower their people to flourish in their jobs with the right kind of support.