What traits do today’s leaders lack the most?

Michael Smith Jr: Partner, SeedPlus

Empathy. I think most people forget how lucky they are to be in the position they have arrived at. It is easy to get caught up in all of our “first world” problems but forget that many people struggle for the basics. I try to remind myself daily to be happy that I have a healthy family, a nice place to live, food, a job and amazing co-workers. I think if every leader had more empathy for those that are not as fortunate, the world would start to be a better place. This lesson wasn’t easily learned and it has taken me some years when I was going through a rough patch in my professional life to fully understand how fortunate I was and to have empathy for those I work with and interact with. I think ultimately this will allow me to succeed at my current gig.

Vinod Kumar: Managing Director, Tata Communications

The greatest driver of Asia’s phenomenal economic growth, one that has distinguished the Asian economic path from other developing economies, has been leadership. This is the driver that has led to a healthy +6 per cent economic growth year-on-year to date. However the picture looks far less impressive if you look at other dimensions of economic development. That is why a dedication and commitment to cultivating strong leadership is now more important than ever. A large part of what is considered global leadership today has been shaped by western influence. As the Asian economy begins to account for more of global trade and GDP, it is vital to infuse eastern orientations in organisational culture and leadership best practices. The rich texture that Asia brings to this picture may at times seem contrarian and confusing – however, we should boldly experiment with the intention of creating the right elixir for evolved leadership.

Lin Ming Fu: Director, SEA, Biotronik

Humour can be one of the hardest cross-cultural skills for the leaders to master, but it has the power to bring everyone together. We cannot take ourselves too seriously and shouldn’t forget to have fun. Focusing on sustainable growth is one of the things I’ve learned working for a German company. Leaders today need to think long-term. When I invest in anything, from a new factory to a new employee, I think about how the relationship can develop over time. We also need to empower those working with us. To really move forward as a company, we all need to work towards a common goal. Every employee should know why they are doing what they do, and be proud of their contribution. Team-bonding and learning from each other is particularly important when working in an international environment.

Sanjay Modi: Managing Director, APAC & Middle East, Monster.com

The companies that will succeed in the future will be the ones that make sustainability a priority. A modern leader should create business plans that take our changing (demising) planet into account. While this might not seem viable at the onset, it’s a must-have attitude and agenda for scalable growth. Tied to this is the ability to deal with uncertainty. Many leaders become too fixated on their designated strategy, and struggle to take into account how they will alter or adapt it to meet disruption in the form of changing needs, technology, society and customer demands. One might want to create the wave, but more important is being able to ride it. Finally, I think leaders sometimes lack a focus on human capital – or they understand the importance, but have difficulties implementing and analysing people strategies with longer-term objectives.

Vesmond Wong: Chairman & Group CEO, DeClout

Technology converges and evolves at a rapid pace every day. With change comes opportunity. Some leaders, however, may not spot the opportunities fast enough as their environment or mindset may have taught them to stick to a certain way of getting things done. I think today’s leaders can be more audacious in their vision, and be constantly on the lookout for a bigger stage to take themselves and their companies to a new terrain. Naturally, the race to be the first and the best comes with its share of hardships and failure. Some leaders get discouraged by the first sign of failure and give up too easily. Having the perseverance to stay the course and the ability to adapt to changes and work round obstacles will make the difference between success and failure. Finally, seeking out the lessons and experiences of others also help leaders make more insightful and balanced decisions.