What do professional services executive search firms look for in leaders? While the best executive search firms customize their searches to industry and company specifics, there are some key leadership traits that all executives must exhibit. Those who exhibit these executive leadership skills are more likely to succeed.
Whether you are looking for leaders in accounting, public relations, marketing, legal, engineering, or other companies that provide professional services, we will explain the top traits you want in your executive leadership.
Several key leadership traits stand out in professional services, including emotional intelligence, innovative thinking and adaptability, and communication and team development.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a crucial skill in today’s workforce. Executives must have the ability to understand emotions and relationships and how they impact work. EQ is considered by many as the strongest predictor of performance and increasingly in demand in 2024.
Effective leadership traits include emotional intelligence across four key areas:
Self-aware leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses as well as the impact their emotions have on team members. It’s a rare trait. One study showed that 95% of people believe they are self-aware but only 10 to 15% actually are.
Self-management means keeping emotions in check even under duress and maintain an optimistic outlook despite obstacles and uncertain times. Leaders without self-management tend to react quickly and struggle to keep impulses under control.
Even if you are self-aware and can manage your emotions, you still have to know how to read the room. Social awareness is the ability to recognize emotions in others and see how they impact the dynamics within your organization.
Another effective leadership trait is the ability to influence and coach others — including conflict management. Nearly two-thirds of employees say they have seen significant conflict among colleagues and as many as 15% said they left jobs due to the tension.
Professional service leaders who can think creatively see fresh opportunities and new approaches to problems. They also can adapt to evolving client needs or market conditions with new solutions.
The world is changing quickly. Customers expect more from their professional service partners in terms of velocity and quality of service. This requires innovative thinking to meet these demands.
Forward-thinking leaders promote innovative thinking as part of their company culture. They encourage brainstorming, different approaches, and experimentation.
Today’s business leaders must be agile to see emerging trends and pivot where necessary. While avoiding being reactionary, they understand the need to evolve and support their teams through periods of transition.
Digital transformation is a top priority for nearly three-quarters of all businesses. Executive leaders must be able to understand the needs of an organization and embrace innovative solutions to streamline processes and futureproof professional services delivery.
Great leaders are exceptional communicators. They can take complex and challenging subjects and create clear, concise messages that are understandable and communicate clearly to build trust and develop talent.
A key trait for executive leaders is the ability to explain the vision and get others excited about meeting company goals. It takes clear and consistent messaging as part of management strategies in professional services to be successful.
Part of that communication is to build trust. A Harvard Business Review study demonstrated that trust is the foundation of most successful organizations. This requires integrity at the highest levels to build that foundation.
Effective leaders know their success lies in developing a team with the right skills to move the company forward. Professional development in leadership and team members helps hone the skills to fill in gaps and build stronger teams.
Quebec's distinct culture within Canada influences leadership norms. As such, Quebec business leadership needs to embrace the openness and collaboration valued in Quebec society. Cross-cultural fluency helps bridge linguistic and regional differences while cultural awareness is essential.
At the same, there continues to be an unprecedented labor shortage. It’s increasingly challenging to attract the right leaders.
Opportunity comes from recognizing the potential of diverse experiences and unit times even with varied backgrounds and affiliations. In Canada, there are often distinct cultural differences between different provinces and rural and urban areas. Uniting a team around a common goal can turn these differences into strengths.
While inherent traits will help some people in leadership roles, key skills need to be honed over time. Aspiring leaders in professional services need to recognize their weaknesses and work toward improvement. By developing these competencies, leaders can drive success across diverse regions and cultures.
Developing these leadership skills in your executive team will improve performance and attract higher-quality candidates. If you want to attract “A players” to your team, you need to be one yourself.
A professional services executive search firm can help find the right fit for your organization, delivering qualified candidates who possess the executive leadership skills you need to grow your business.
What are the most important leadership traits for success in professional services?
Top leadership traits include:
In addition, professional services leaders must exhibit integrity to build trust with clients and employees.
What strategies can aspiring leaders adopt to develop these essential traits?
Executive leadership coaching, mentoring, and training can help develop these skills. The best leaders seek feedback from peers and team members, fostering an open dialogue about improvement.
How does the cultural and business landscape in Quebec influence leadership styles?
Quebec business leaders should embrace open collaboration, bridge language and cultural differences, and unite teams. Cross-cultural dexterity is advantageous in diverse regions across Canada and can provide significant benefits for diverse clients.
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