The Skills Every Leader Needs for the Future of Work

allynitschke
Oct 23
3 min read

This week, I saw an AI tool that could turn you into a sports hero. Complete with video footage of the 'winning goal', trophy's, press conferences. The works. My husband (a Millennial) checked the comments to see if it was real, and the comments confirmed it was all AI. My Son (12yo), instantly said 'is that fake'.

One of the quiet skills I think leaders will need to develop, is that of discernment.

When we talk about the future of work, most conversations focus on technology. AI, automation, digital tools. These dominate the headlines.

But here’s the thing, the future of leadership won’t be defined by technology alone. It will be defined by the skills leaders bring to it.

Because while AI is changing what work looks like, leadership is still about people. And people don’t follow algorithms, they follow clarity, connection, and courage.

The Leadership Skills That Matter Most

Recent research from the World Economic Forum, Gallup, and McKinsey paints a clear picture of what’s ahead. The skills organisations are prioritising in their leaders aren’t just technical, they’re profoundly human.

AI Literacy: Leaders don’t need to be coders, but they do need to understand how AI impacts their teams and decisions. Ignorance isn’t an option.
Adaptability: The half-life of skills is shrinking. What worked five years ago is obsolete today. Leaders must be flexible, ready to pivot without losing their grounding.
Emotional Intelligence: Hybrid teams, generational differences, and rising complexity mean leaders must navigate relationships with empathy and influence.

One McKinsey survey found that 89% of executives believe “soft skills” are as critical as technical skills in the age of AI. That’s no accident. The more machines handle the grunt work, the more humans need leaders who can inspire, connect, and steer through uncertainty.

Why Leaders Struggle

The challenge is that most leaders were promoted for technical expertise, not these future-focused skills. They know their industry, but they haven’t been trained to handle ambiguity, coach with empathy, or understand the basics of AI.

This is the gap and it’s widening. Leaders who cling to old measures of success (like control and hours) will quickly find themselves irrelevant. Those who invest in these future skills will not only keep pace. They’ll set the pace.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re a leader wondering where to start, here are a few simple ideas:

Learn enough about AI to lead the conversation. You don’t need to code but you do need to ask the right questions.
Build adaptability muscles. Experiment, iterate, and learn out loud with your team. Show that change isn’t a threat, it’s an opportunity.
Double down on emotional intelligence. Listen more deeply, connect more intentionally, and coach instead of command.
Understand the emerging necessary skill of discernment. Broaden your information to avoid shortsightedness.

These aren’t abstract ideas, they’re daily practices. And the leaders who embrace them will create workplaces where humans and AI don’t compete, but collaborate.

The future won’t wait.

The organisations that thrive in 2026 and beyond will be led by people who understand both technology and humanity.

So, let me leave you with this question: Are you investing in the skills that will ensure your people aren't just a manager of work, but a leader of people?

Because in the end, the tools may change but the courage to lead will always matter most.

Here’s to building the skills that future-proof your leadership.

If you would like to book in a time to speak with Ally: CLICK HERE.

Ally Nitschke is a best-selling Author, an award-winning Thought Leader and Speaker. She has been working with leaders and as a Leader for over 20 years.

She is on a mission to change the way we communicate at work, to lean into those uncomfortable conversations and lead with courage.

Ally is a Keynote Speaker at conferences, delivers Transformational Programs & highly engaging workshops as well as provides Executive Coaching.