The way we work has changed — and so has leadership.

“The best leaders of the twentieth century were question answerers, setting the vision and strategy from above,” says Kirstin Lynde, founder of the leadership development firm Catalyze Associates. “But the best leaders in the twenty-first century are question askers. They seek feedback and new perspectives, and they ask curious questions about themselves, their teams, and their environment.”The pandemic also had a profound and lasting impact on leadership dynamics, notes Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, a behavioral scientist at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. “Where people were in their lives during lockdown — whether starting college, beginning a job search, stepping into a managerial role, or juggling remote work with parenting — has shaped who they are today,” he says. “Leaders need to be attuned to these dynamic forces and adapt to the different needs and challenges their teams face.”

This transformation extends beyond individual experiences, adds Shimul Melwani, associate professor of organizational behavior at Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. “We’re facing massive technological shifts with AI,” she says. “Workers are increasingly demanding flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance, all while organizations navigate an era of value polarization.”

Given these changes, our experts highlight six leadership skills that have become essential in today’s workplace and offer practical advice on how to develop them.

1. Emotional Aperture

This term, coined by Sanchez-Burks, captures the ability to understand and tune into the emotional dynamics of your people. “It’s about reading the room, gauging the collective mood, and recognizing the emotional landscape of your team,” he says. Is everyone on the same page, or is there unspoken tension? Is there cohesion, or are there gaps in understanding? Are all voices being heard, or are some perspectives missing?

Successful leaders pick up on these signals to gain a deeper understanding of how their team members process information, approach risk, and maintain commitment. This heightened awareness builds stronger relationships and fosters deeper connections, which in turn drives retention and employee engagement. “It’s a rich source of information that helps you keep people around a little longer and lean in a little more.”

How to tune into the emotional dynamics of your team

Developing this skill takes practice and intentional effort, says Sanchez-Burks. He recommends seeking out resources that focus on group dynamics and collective emotions. Self-reflection exercises, such as journaling about team interactions and your interpretations of them, can also improve your awareness over time.

Lynde advises regular temperature checks with your team. At your next group meeting, try this exercise: Ask everyone to write down (anonymously or not) three things they love about their work that motivate them, and three things that are frustrating. After collecting the responses, take some time to review and synthesize the feedback. Then, share the common themes with the group. Talk about the positives and the pain points. Be open and honest; transparency helps build morale and trust within the team. “You might not be able to solve every problem, but this is a magical way to make your team feel that their leader cares about them,” she says. “People want to feel heard.”

Practice sharpening your emotional radar outside of work, too, adds Sanchez-Burks. Try observing conversations in public spaces like cafés. Pay attention to emotional undertones, reactions, and how people connect (or don’t). Notice the nuances in their relationships and look for non-verbal cues like facial expressions, body language, and even silence. Think of it as people-watching with purpose. “Have fun with it,” he says.

2. Adaptive Communication

This skill involves knowing how and when to adjust your behavior and leadership style to fit the situation and your audience. Successful leaders adapt their approach to meet the moment and boost overall team performance…[MORE]

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To read the entire article by Rebecca Knight, visit the HBR site: 6 Essential Leadership Skills — and How to Develop Them