As we approach the end of 2020, some of us might be wondering “how did we get here?” What a year it has been, after all. We have been asked, perhaps demanded, to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. To break away from the old and open space to the new. To be creative and solution oriented. And above all, to be human.

There is no doubt this year has been challenging in so many ways. All across the globe we are dealing with something unknown to many of us. Yet, despite the hardships, I believe this year has also given us an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to be resilient, to find new ways to support one another and to seek alternative ways to connect with our global community.

While we may not have the answers to our questions yet, one thing is certain, there is no going back to normal. Now more than ever, we need to find creative ways for a more sustainable and human-centric “new normal.” This global pandemic has shown us that we can, and have to, change the ways we were doing things.

Be a changemaker

 And for that, we need global leaders that have the skills needed to drive positive change in the world. Being a true global leader requires more than a title. It requires self-awareness to recognize one’s shortcomings and a commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of the stakeholders.

Simply put, today’s global leaders can no longer have leadership styles that do not reflect our current realities. True global leaders in today’s world should recognize the complexities of our existing multicultural and digital society, while valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity.

We are living in a time where intercultural competencies are more important than ever before. Global leaders must be able to lead in this new environment with awareness and respect for cultural differences, and with the ability to empower multicultural teams, both face-to-face and virtually.

Encourage creativity

Global leaders should also recognize the importance of fostering a space that encourages collaboration and innovation. After all, our fast-changing world requires leaders and teams to continuously find creative solutions to solve our ever-changing problems. This requires leaders to nurture a safe space where team members feel inspired to share their ideas and knowledge around the world.

When global leadership is demonstrated through strategic co-creation, there is the opportunity to develop an inclusive dialogue that promotes knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural learning. Empowered and engaged teams will inspire a global innovation culture and creative team climate for sustaining the project process, from concept to market.

Ultimately, today’s global leaders need to think beyond profits. They need to seek long-term strategies that are holistic, sustainable and valuable not only to businesses, but to our global community and our planet. True global leaders have the responsibility of promoting a better world for current and future generations.

Are you ready to become a true global leader?

By Stephanie Nascimento, International Communications Intern, Global Minds Network