Six traits that empower you to lead effectively in any environment

No matter how intense the changes swirling around us may be, the basics of effective leadership haven’t changed. Robert L. Dilenschneider pinpoints some traits every leader should cultivate.

New York, NY (September 2023)—We hear it all the time: Change is the only constant. And as the business world grapples with seismic shake-ups in technology (AI being the most dramatic), skyrocketing inflation, shifting workforce priorities, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, that truth is hard to deny. There’s no doubt that leaders must adapt to survive. But at the same time, says Robert L. Dilenschneider, there are certain bedrock leadership principles that hold fast in the storm.

“These timeless traits are more crucial than ever,” says Dilenschneider, author of Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestseller The Ultimate Guide to Power & Influence: Everything You Need to Know. “They serve as a compass for overwhelmed leaders, keeping us grounded and oriented as we navigate the maze of modern business. Plus, they’re reassuring to employees and clients who also struggle to make sense of all the change swirling around us.”

In his book, Dilenschneider brings his 50-plus years of experience, observation, and wisdom to a readership facing unprecedented levels of disruption. Here, he lays out six traits that every leader must cultivate if they’re to maintain their influence as the world around them shifts:

TRAIT 1: The ability to build strong relationships. While technology has revolutionized communication, the essence of relationship-building remains unchanged. Consider a recent anecdote shared by Dilenschneider: A client eager to harness the power of social media for a significant project was advised, “There are seven people you need to reach. Get your message in front of those seven.” Eschewing the allure of digital platforms, the client personally connected with these pivotal figures and achieved remarkable success.