What it takes to be a great leader? How can young professionals prepare for leadership?

"The best math you can teach the youth: the future cost of current decisions."

This blog is for young readers and emerging leaders to understand their present, recognize pitfalls to avoid, and identify strengths to empower. By breaking down key leadership traits from childhood onward, we’ll trace how beliefs and narratives evolve and explore the future cost of their current decisions.

For experienced leaders, the blog offers valuable insights into refining your leadership style and overcoming challenges that may hinder your potential.

At the heart of this discussion is the Leadership Triad—three essential qualities for extraordinary leadership: Self-Awareness, Respect, and Curiosity.

Let’s dive in.

Introduction: The Leadership Triad

In a rapidly changing world, leaders are often tasked with navigating complexities that demand more than technical expertise or strategic acumen. What distinguishes great leaders is a combination of curiosity, self-awareness, and respect. These traits enable leaders to foster innovation, build strong relationships, and guide their organizations through uncertainty.

Insights from global leaders and studies highlight the importance of these attributes. A 2022 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report revealed that 74% of employees believe their managers' ability to learn and adapt is crucial for success (source) . As the workplace evolves, leaders must embody these principles to inspire their teams and drive meaningful change.

Danger of Ignorance in Leadership

Dr. Tasha Eurich’s research reveals that while 95% of people think they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are. (Source)

Leadership is a journey from generalization to specialization and back to generalization. In the beginning, we explore multiple fields, then specialize in one area. But effective leadership demands reintegration—connecting knowledge across domains to navigate complexities.

Leaders who avoid certain fields or undervalue them due to fear often struggle to expand their expertise. For instance, workplace culture—a common reason for employee turnover—is frequently undervalued by many people who dismiss HR. Similarly, AI/ML are the hottest marketing buzzwords, that are overused when strategists fail to engage deeply with technology and merely use it for the sake of it.

Just as childhood trauma impacts interpersonal relationships, fears about subjects we struggled with—be it maths, history, or art—can limit our professional growth. Many left-brain people tend to be dismissive of social sciences and art rooted because of a popular school-level bias: “Arts are for unsmart kids”. A poor 10th-grade math score may lead to a lifetime of avoidance, influencing career choices based on fear rather than passion. The problem isn't forming those biases in childhood but never thinking over it to unlearn them.

Disrespect for any subject or field often reflects unresolved mediocrity or insecurity, ultimately killing curiosity and limiting one’s ability to integrate knowledge from diverse fields to grow into leadership positions..

Awareness of these biases is the first step to overcoming them.

Self-Awareness: Understanding Yourself to Lead Others

Nobody talks about self-discovery for careers. Yet, this is crucial for breaking free from the narratives that hold us back. A Cornell University study found that self-aware leaders are 32% more effective at managing teams.(Source). Leaders who understand their strengths, weaknesses, and triggers are better equipped to make informed decisions, build trust, and lead authentically.

For example, leaders too rigid about P&Ls may neglect marketing and branding, risking their competitive edge to new marketing-driven companies. Conversely, excessive spending on marketing without focusing on operational efficiency could lead to poor customer retention. Balance, rooted in self-awareness, is key.

Practical Tips to Develop Self-Awareness:

Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and team members.
Reflect on experiences to identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.
Cultivate empathy to understand and share others’ feelings.
Create an alter ego for peak decision-making by reframing personal narratives and overcoming mental limitations. Check out our programs.

For free tools and techniques on identifying patterns, understanding perspectives, and improving decision-making, and more, visit the resources section of our website.

Respect: The Foundation of Strong Relationships

When you are self-aware, you respect differences and appreciate diverse points of view. You are not insecure; instead, you welcome feedback and foster an environment where people work together to lift each other up rather than pull each other down. This creates stronger teams and allows you to navigate complexities with ease. Ignorant leaders, by contrast, limit not only their own growth but also that of their teams and organizations.

This is why schools emphasize studying a wide range of subjects until Grade 10, and why many degree programs start with general education courses. The purpose is to build a broad foundation of knowledge so that you can delve deeper into any area when the need arises. Many see this exposure as merely a buffet of options for specialization, but that’s only half the truth! It’s an introduction to the vastness of possibilities—if approached with respect, this foundation can lead to outstanding outcomes.

A major FMCG company faced a peculiar challenge: two villages located just 2 kilometers apart showed starkly different buying patterns. The data analysts struggled to make sense of it. However, geography provided the answer. Though the villages were culturally and linguistically similar, their cropping patterns differed. One village primarily grew Kharif crops, while the other focused on Rabi crops. As a result, their disposable incomes peaked at different times of the year. This explained why one village purchased more winter products while the other bought more during the summer.

Gallup reports that employees who feel respected are 55% more engaged at work (source). Leaders like Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, are celebrated for their empathetic and respectful leadership styles, which have fostered trust and collaboration.

Practical Tips to Foster Respect:

Actively listen to team members and stakeholders.
Create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.
Lead by example, demonstrating respect in every interaction.

Curiosity: The Lifelong Learning Tool

Curiosity drives leaders to seek new perspectives, ask the right questions, and challenge the status quo. It enables them to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing environment. Leaders like Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasize the role of a “learn-it-all” mindset over a “know-it-all” attitude.

Curiosity often means stepping into the unknown. As a leader, it’s crucial to be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. Instead of feeling threatened by not having all the answers, embrace it as an opportunity to discover new solutions. This mindset will empower you to lead with confidence in uncertain times.

A Deloitte report found that organizations with curious leaders are 58% more likely to foster innovation and creativity. (source)

For young leaders, curiosity is especially vital. If you’re just starting your career, recognize that your openness and inquisitiveness are some of your most significant assets. Think back to your childhood—you were likely more curious, creative, and fearless then than you are now. As you grow, actively protect this quality from being dulled by complacency or rigid thinking.

While excelling in your chosen field is crucial, maintaining respect and interest in other disciplines is equally important. As you grow into leadership roles that often require generalist skills, curiosity will act as your compass, guiding you toward opportunities and helping you adapt and thrive.

For experienced leaders, curiosity remains just as critical. It’s never too late to rediscover your childlike curiosity. Rekindle your passion by exploring your field with fresh eyes or even delving into new areas. Surround yourself with young, enthusiastic individuals who can energize and inspire you. Leveraging the first two pillars of the Leadership Triad—self-awareness and respect—can help you reignite this essential quality.

Curiosity sparks creativity, leading to free thinking and the ability to achieve extraordinary results. When leaders remain curious, they foster a culture of exploration and learning, encouraging their teams to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Curiosity:

Ask open-ended questions to explore alternative solutions.
Encourage cross-functional learning and collaboration.
Dedicate time for personal and professional growth.
Practice active listening. Pay close attention to understand your team's needs and identify concerns early.

The Interconnected Path to Leadership

Extraordinary leaders understand that curiosity drives learning, self-awareness ensures authenticity, and respect builds trust. These are not isolated traits; they are deeply interconnected:

Self-awareness acknowledges fears, biases, and areas of growth, fostering respect.
Respect embraces diversity and fosters collaboration, nurturing curiosity.
Curiosity empowers exploration and innovation to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

These traits are not just soft skills; they are strategic imperatives that drive sustainable growth and innovation. Whether you are a budding professional or an established leader, nurturing these qualities will set you apart.

By keeping curiosity alive, embracing self-awareness, and leading with respect, you can inspire others and leave a lasting impact.

Alter Ego for Leaders

An alter ego is a powerful tool that helps you apply the Leadership Triad in real life. An alter ego leverages strategic storytelling to reframe personal narratives, fostering creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery to achieve your extraordinary. It is primarily used by sportspersons, elite businessmen, and celebrities to make doing difficult things easier.

In the Biz world, Steve Jobs' "Reality Distortion Field" is a prime example of an alter ego—a mental zone for peak performance, free of fear and limitations. Learn more about the origins and application of alter ego here.

At Alter Ego Community, we combine this powerful mindset tool with purposeful projects in fields like childcare, education, elderly companionship, environment and inclusion to provide a purposeful safe space to explore different passions, overcome inertia of action with motivation and lead with impact.

Our program, JAAGRATI, is focused on volunteering based self-discovery for career help leaders—both emerging and experienced—realize their full potential through action, reflection, and collaboration.

Because the future belongs to leaders who are not afraid to learn, reflect, and connect. Embrace the Leadership Triad and embark on your journey to extraordinary leadership today.