Leadership has never been without its challenges, but in today’s rapidly changing world, the demands on leaders have intensified significantly. With shifting international dynamics, climate change on our doorstep, and technological advancements that are difficult to keep up with, modern leaders need to be adaptable, innovative, and above all, act with care and compassion.

Uncertain times

This year has presented considerable difficulties across many sectors, with the charity sector particularly feeling the impact of a shifting global landscape. Economic pressures, often resulting from rapid and reactionary policy changes, have created uncertainty that requires leaders to step up and provide clear direction to help future-proof their organisations.

Despite the challenges, there are also moments of opportunity. Whilst the current climate is undoubtedly difficult particularly for those facing job losses or funding cuts, times of upheaval can also spark new thinking. We’re seeing a growing need for collaboration, creativity, and adaptive leadership, which can open up different ways of working and delivering impact.

Leadership and cultural change are identified in the Public Service Reform Strategy as being foundational to delivering a ‘fairer’ Scotland ‘where every community has the opportunity to thrive.’ So, if we are to finally deliver on the vision articulated by the Christie Commission 15 years ago, what are some of the leadership qualities that might be needed in today’s dynamic and volatile world?

Personal experience

Everyone’s leadership style is of course unique to them. My own leadership journey has been shaped by a relatively diverse career path – from a legal background as an English barrister and Scottish solicitor with a focus on public law, to experience in local government and the private sector. In my current role as Chief Executive of Planning Aid Scotland, I lead a team of staff and volunteers all working towards a shared goal – to create an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place. This diverse experience has been instrumental in developing my leadership style, which is grounded in being values-led.

My core values are courage, compassion, and wisdom, and I make a conscious effort to ensure my behaviours and decisions align with these principles. I believe it’s essential for leaders to lead by example and to continuously consider the culture they’re contributing to, taking action when something needs support or attention.

Essential qualities for today’s leaders

Through my experience, I’ve identified several key qualities that are crucial for effective leadership in our current environment.

Leaders must be:

• Adaptable: Leaders today must be skilled at adapting quickly to their environment, absorbing and assessing ongoing developments, and responding flexibly to changing circumstances.
• Innovative: It is crucial in today’s environment that leaders are ahead of the curve – always looking forward to see what’s coming up next. With such rapid technological advancements, it can be hard to keep up. Stay open to new opportunities and ideas, make sure you hear different viewpoints, and keep an eye on what’s happening in other sectors.
• Collaborative: Making collaboration something you actively pursue with partners, rather than just a buzzword, is vital. While genuine collaboration isn’t easy, it has the potential to deliver long-term impact beyond short-term wins.
• Skilled in active listening: Being good at listening is essential. We are in the Golden Age of Communication and yet actively listening to what people are saying often gets overlooked. It’s something I try to consciously practise, and I have worked pro-actively with my team to help us all develop our listening skills.
• Effective communicators: Being a strong communicator is important – understanding the importance of language and being able to flex the words, pace, and style of communication according to your audience is essential.
• Skilled in building and maintaining relationships: Building relationships and trust both inside and outside an organisation is key. Being able to assess situations, trust your intuition and understand where relationships stand is crucial for driving an organisation forward toward shared goals.
• Motivational: Leaders today need to focus on motivating and encouraging staff to develop their skills, not just through traditional CPD training, but also by helping them grow in their careers. Better job satisfaction typically leads to higher motivation, increased care for work quality, and improved outcomes.
• Resilient: Being resilient is an absolute must. Make sure you are looking after your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being, however that works for you. It is important to have boundaries and make self-care a priority. If you want your employees to be at their best, you need to lead by example.
• Compassionate: Last but certainly not least, be compassionate. Compassion is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness in leadership. But I have found it takes real courage to care and show your own vulnerabilities. Something that I have found really challenging in the past! Compassion is all about wanting to help people improve and build a better world, something the third sector is well versed in. Compassionate leaders create a safe and positive environment where people feel valued. This builds strong, lasting relationships founded in trust and mutual respect.

Guidance for aspiring leaders

For those looking to step into leadership roles, my advice would be to start leading from where you are right now – in how you work and support your colleagues. Be proactive and helpful, knowing when to speak up and offer guidance, and when to provide quiet support.

It’s important to stay true to your own values and not be afraid to ask for help. Consider getting a mentor or coach, talk to a wide range of people, seek advice, and learn from their experiences.
Be kind to yourself and others. Leadership is challenging, but when approached with care and compassion, people will remember how you made them feel supported.

Final thoughts

As the ever-wise Dolly Parton put it: “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”

This encapsulates what effective leadership should strive for – inspiring the people around you and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Whatever your situation, the objective should be the same, leave things better than you found them.

Leadership in 2025 isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to ask the right questions, the compassion to listen to the responses, and the wisdom to act on what you learn.

If you’re interested in hearing more, I’d encourage you to listen to the Listen-Up Podcast, where I and other leaders from the planning sector share our insights and experiences of leadership.