A New Generation of Leaders for 2010

Aspire, an internationally-recognized leader in executive coaching, leadership development, consultancy, events and research related to women as leaders, have recently released a report entitled “Tearing Up the Rule Book – A New Generation of Leaders for 2010“. This report is based on a survey completed by more than 300 global leaders from 30 countries, including 60% at Director to CEO level. This annual survey, conducted jointly by Aspire and Customer Interpreter Ltd., is now in its seventh year.

Once considered the domain of women and a hindrance to their effectiveness in the workplace, “transformational” behaviors, such as long-term vision, teamwork, empowerment, and effective communicating, now form essential leadership skills for the future of the global economy.

Research also demonstrates that these behaviors, combined with new transformational traits such as ethical decision making and parenting skills, once labeled as “feminine” and “soft” are now highly valued.

According to Dr. Samantha Collins, founder of Aspire, “The new century needs a new generation of leaders who are more transformational and embrace their feminine qualities. The old school style of many politicians and corporate CEO’s is on the way out and transformational leadership behaviors are on the way in”.

What makes a new generation leader?

The best leaders tend to be female and they tend to improve with age and business or parenting experience. Contrary to popular belief, the most senior people are not necessarily the best leaders. Interestingly, board members actually had lower leadership (LI) scores than other managers.

People scoring highly on the leadership scale often work in the public sector. They opt for jobs that will make a difference and in companies that make a difference.

The New Generation Leader, has high levels of emotional intelligence, promote teamwork and empowerment, and are committed to seeing the long term picture.

At OpenView Venture Partners, we have a number of women leaders in sales and marketing, operational support and product and development that exhibit these “transformational” behaviors. It is part of firm values and approach to venture capital investment, and growing new generation leaders.