The path of leadership has never been easy, but it may be tougher now than it’s ever been. Today’s defining issues—geopolitical tensions, demographic shifts, the climate-energy nexus, and the relentless pace of technological change—are more than challenges. They’re profound changes, and each is reshaping the landscape in which we operate.
Early this week, I joined leaders from US federal, state, local, and territorial departments and agencies to talk about this moment at the third annual Global Crisis and Resilience Forum hosted by Harvard's Belfer Center. Our discussions centered on a critical question: Where do we go from here?
No one can know for certain. But the boldest leaders will look to embrace four qualities: resilience, speed, new organizational models, and “and”-based thinking.
First, resilience is about playing both offense and defense. It’s not merely about surviving; it’s about thriving. Our research indicates that resilient companies generated 50 percent higher shareholder returns compared to their less-resilient peers during the tumultuous period of 2020-2021. This stark difference underscores the tangible value of resilience in today’s business environment.
Speed is equally crucial. In a world where recovery timelines are extending, the ability to act swiftly is a significant competitive advantage. Faster organizations don’t just outperform their slower counterparts; they redefine what’s possible.
Traditional organizational models are no longer sufficient. The pressures of demographic change and tech advancement demand that we rethink how our organizations are structured. We need frameworks that are as dynamic and adaptable as the challenges we face.
Lastly, “and”-based thinking is essential. This approach expands our options and solutions, pushing us beyond binary choices. It encourages a mindset where the goal is not to choose between two paths but to forge a new one that might incorporate elements of both.
One additional thought: Technology has a huge role to play here. Innovations like multimodal artificial intelligence to help provide a coordinated, collaborative crisis response could prove critical as major crises become more common.
The call for leadership is clear. It’s a call for persistence and a call for transformation. Those who answer it best will find ways to cut through the fog of uncertainty and see these challenges as opportunities to innovate, lead, and drive lasting impact.
Let’s be those leaders. Let’s work to accelerate a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growing future. The time to act—with clarity and conviction—is now.
Thanks to Ben Ellencweig, Jessica Lamb, Jonathan Spaner, Mihir Mysore, and Jesse S. for their recent piece on how multimodal AI could retool global crisis response. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gCvt4J_v
#SustainableInclusiveGrowth #Resilience
Global Talent Counselor | McKinsey Digital | Fellow - Cambridge Judge Business School | Board Member | Keynote speaker on Leadership, GenAI, Artificial Intelligence & Talent, Women in Tech | Executive Coach
1moLoved reading this article Ben Ellencweig !