Leadership Insights
What makes a future-fit leader?
5 min read
Our leadership experts, Ed van der Sande and Sebijn Bunt of Odgers Berndtson Netherlands, explore the qualities a “Future Fit” leader needs to succeed. Their conclusion: tomorrow’s leader embodies the Five P’s.
Why future-fit leadership matters
The world is evolving rapidly and growing ever more complex. Cultural and socio-economic shifts—think globalisation, automation and increased diversity—are reshaping how organisations operate. To lead effectively in this environment, your leadership style must evolve too.
A shift in leadership style
Where control once reigned supreme, creativity and agility now take centre stage. Organisations need resilient, adaptable leaders who prioritise people. A Future Fit leader defines a clear purpose and inspires teams through authenticity and vulnerability. From that foundation, they guide their people so the business is ready for whatever lies ahead.
The 5 core qualities of future-fit leadership
Our research identifies five traits that distinguish successful leaders: Purpose-oriented, People-centric, Progress-driven, Perspective-led and Principle-powered. Leaders who master these qualities don’t just adapt—they shape change. Here’s what each “P” entails:
1. Purpose-oriented
A Future Fit leader articulates a compelling, overarching purpose that gives the entire organisation meaning and direction. This goes beyond profit and growth—it encompasses ESG priorities such as sustainability. Every decision aligns with that purpose, ensuring teams pull in the same strategic direction. You also empower individuals to discover and connect their personal purpose to the organisation’s mission.
Research shows that purpose-driven companies grow 10 per cent faster than their peers (58 per cent report higher growth)¹. And because purpose evolves, a Future Fit leader continually reflects and refines it to keep the organisation inspired and focused.
2. People-centric
Effective future leaders are authentic, empathetic and agile. They foster psychological safety by genuinely caring about their team’s well-being, tailoring support to individuals’ needs and encouraging every voice—especially the quieter ones. In a people-centric culture, coaching and recognition take precedence over rigid selection processes, boosting engagement by 37 per cent².
By understanding each employee’s strengths, a leader matches roles to talent rather than forcing people into predefined jobs, firmly anchoring development within the team.
3. Progress-driven
Future-fit leadership favours flat, non-hierarchical structures over bureaucracy and control. You embrace resilience, creativity and rapid decision-making, unafraid to take calculated risks in pursuit of tangible results. With a growth mindset, you welcome challenges, adapt to digital transformation and turn setbacks into learning opportunities—fuel for your organisation’s agility and expansion.
4. Perspective-led
Building a strong professional network enriches your outlook with fresh knowledge, expertise and connections. Rather than viewing customers, partners and even competitors solely as targets, you see collaborative potential. By operating with integrity and transparency, you forge authentic relationships that spur innovation and enhance your organisation’s agility in meeting client needs.
5. Principle-powered
Future-fit leaders practise rigorous self-reflection. They know their strengths and developmental areas, modelling the behaviour they expect from others: “practice what you preach.” Authenticity, vulnerability and ethical conviction guide every action, making you a powerful role model for your team.
A future-fit leader is authentic, embraces vulnerability and, through self-awareness, recognises their own strengths and weaknesses. They also understand how these qualities influence the organisation.
The next step in future-fit leadership
Curious how your own leadership style measures up against the Future Fit profile? We’ve embedded the Five P’s in our leadership development tools, providing insights into the skills and traits that underpin next-generation leadership.
Want to learn more?
Contact Ed van der Sande or Sebijn Bunt for a conversation on developing Future-Fit leaders in your organisation.