Setting the Stage

I think it’s safe to say “hybrid work” is no longer a phase…

But here’s what most leaders get wrong:

They try to lead today’s teams with yesterday’s skills.

The tools are different.

The cadence is faster.

The expectations are higher.

You don’t need to become a technologist.

But if you want to lead in the modern workplace, you do need to adapt.

Thriving in a hybrid workplace means mastering more than classic management skills.

Today’s leaders must navigate humans, data, and technology, without losing trust, empathy, or direction.

Here are six competencies I believe every forward-focused leader should be building right now:

1. Digital Fluency

You don’t need to code.

But you do need to understand tools like AI, automation, dashboards, and digital workflows.

→ Know what’s possible
→ Communicate with tech teams
→ Align the tools to the mission

2. Data-Driven Thinking

Gut instinct still matters, but pair it with analytics.

→ What does the data say?
→ Where are the trends heading?
→ Can we measure what matters?

3. Ethical Use of AI

AI is powerful and risky.

Leaders must ask:

→ Is this fair?
→ Are we protecting privacy?
→ Are we transparent with our team?

Responsible leaders lead with integrity, even in the gray areas.

4. Emotional Intelligence

Your team is navigating stress, change, and distance.

Empathy isn’t optional.

→ Can you read the room, even on Zoom?
→ Are you creating a space where people feel heard?

5. Collaborative Intelligence

Today’s workplace blends humans + AI + asynchronous tools.

→ Can you assign the right work to the right source?
→ Are you orchestrating and not just delegating?

6. Learning Agility

Tech evolves fast.

Leaders who learn fast lead better.

→ Stay curious
→ Unlearn outdated habits
→ Model growth for your team

Takeaway:

The best leaders today aren’t just good with people.

They’re good with systems, data, and tools, without losing the human edge.

Hybrid leadership is a new skill set.

It’s time to start training for it.

Start by reframing the question. You don’t have to be a tech expert. You have to be tech-literate.

That means:

→ Ask smart questions
→ Stay curious
→ Get comfortable with not knowing

Partner with your tech-savvy team members.

Read one article a week on emerging tools.

Try one AI-powered tool this month, just to learn.

Relevance isn’t about knowing everything.

It’s about being willing to learn anything.

~ Chad Todd

This week, choose one of the six competencies, and take one small step to level up. Ask a question. Read a post. Experiment with a tool. That’s how modern leadership gets built: one upgrade at a time.

P.S.

If you’re serious about building a stronger culture and better leadership systems, check out Culture Wheel.

It’s the platform leaders go to hone their skills and build engaged teams and simplify performance reviews.

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