The next generation of leaders already is facing its own set of challenges, from inflation to staffing shortages. And while challenges are always consistent in leadership, there are certain sets of skills that set apart those who are destined for success. Here are the top five skills to master for long-term success.

1. Adaptability

Things do not always go according to plan. In fact, we should probably plan for them not to go according to plan. Success requires consistency as well as flexibility. You need a plan to execute, and a strategy that your team can buy into, but you also need to be willing to pivot when things aren’t working out.

The most successful leaders can incorporate planning, flexibility, innovation, and critical thinking and know when to deploy each.

2. Communication

It should go without saying that this skill is a necessity for any successful leader. Communication is required, in various forms at almost every level of an organization. From stakeholders to managing employees and a public persona, having the ability to clearly communicate both orally and verbally is an absolute necessity to master.

The most skillful communicators can make everyone feel at home in a conversation while masterfully communicating expectations without any ambiguity.

GOOD LEADERS NEED LEADERS, TOO. SUCCESS REQUIRES STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE TO LEAD YOUR TEAM WITH INITIATIVE AND DRIVE BUT HAVING A MENTOR IS NOT OUT OF THE NORM FOR EVEN TOP EXECS.

3. Initiative & Drive

Success is not for the faint of heart. It is a long arduous journey most often wrought with challenging days when your goals seem far out of reach. The ability to keep going when things are rough is a skill that is difficult to teach. Leaders need grit to achieve long-term success and grit is something that is built over time and through trials.

Successful leaders aren’t afraid to face these challenges. They are “take the bull by the horns” types of people and more in the mindset of “better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission”.

4. Teamwork

Successful people know they cannot achieve all they have set out for on their own. They surround themselves with the team they need in order to support their goals and vision and then they make a commitment to being a team player. Sometimes that means putting the greater good of the group before their own egos and sometimes that means putting in more time to develop the people around them.

Rarely, if ever do you see successful leaders boast about their own accomplishments as if they achieved them on their own. Devotion to the team is necessary.

5. Leadership

Good leaders need leaders, too. Success requires stepping up to the plate to lead your team with initiative and drive but having a mentor is not out of the norm for even top execs.

Successful leaders still have mentors, coaches, or confidantes they can rely on to help keep them focused and ensure that they are continuously developing and growing alongside their team.