The modern business environment requires effective leaders who can adapt to change, learn rapidly and strategically. Growing global economic, social and geopolitical pressures need resilient and knowledgeable leaders who can provide a steady hand on the tiller in times of uncertainty.

In South Africa, creative and agile decision-makers have to take into account various socio-political and economic headwinds. They need to be equipped to meet business targets amid power cuts, growing social inequality, social unrest, extreme weather events, laggard economic growth and more.

The stakes are even higher in the aftermath of the pandemic, where the world of work and what it means to run an organisation is constantly changing. Before 2020, the idea of a hybrid work environment (Remote working: Lessons for the future – https://www.gibs.co.za/news/remote-working–lessons-for-the-future) was not a popular concept – but now managers are adapting and finding ways to get results in this new normal.

In the future, perceptive, astute and forward thinking leaders, who set the standard and support their teams in running sustainable businesses, will be better placed to deal with the rollercoaster of workplace uncertainty (Leadership for a new era – https://www.gibs.co.za/news/leadership-for-a-new-era).

Strategic leadership or the link between strategy and execution, is key in helping businesses navigate the choppy waters of the modern world. Direction without a plan or a plan without solid direction is a fruitless exercise that is likely to yield disastrous results. The organisational beehive requires knowledgeable general managers who can lead from the front.

As thus, there has been growing demand for people who have the experience and expertise to deal decisively and strategically with new developments in the corporate environment. However, getting to a place of knowledge and expertise does not happen automatically. Leaders who are serious about building competitive and sustainable organisations, improving their business, management and leadership skills usually take the executive education route.

Formulating and executing business strategies requires knowledge, and preparedness. Although, it should be noted that a business strategy can’t just be a buzzword, or a dust-gathering document compiled as part of a box ticking exercise. It is the organisation’s game plan and roadmap for overall growth amid increasing competition and other emerging disruptors.

The company’s strategy has to be actioned and brought to life in order to take the organisation forward – and the people whose task it is to effect those strategies need to know how to read those roadmaps for effective execution. In many businesses, the people tasked with effecting those strategies are the general managers, who operate as the cogs in the big business machine.

Preparing leaders for uncertain business conditions

The demands on general managers in modern organisations is enormous. The GM of the future needs functional, leadership and business administration skills that go beyond the departmental level. When employees and the departmental managers under their supervision look up to them for guidance, they should be ready to motivate and offer decisive leadership.

At the general management level, they are required to consider the overall impact of their decision-making and actions on the organisation. In the realm of general management, there is also an expectation for leaders to work towards meeting strategic goals, generating revenue, controlling expenses and other company operations.

Coaching for successful business leadership

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the business world, leadership coaching stands out as a pivotal tool designed to empower managers by fostering a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. This collaborative process involves a strategic partnership between a skilled coach and a business leader, aimed at achieving specific professional objectives and enhancing overall effectiveness.

By providing personalised guidance and actionable feedback, coaching facilitates not only skill development but also cultivates self-awareness and emotional intelligence essential for effective leadership. Coaching has become synonymous with executive development, offering a structured pathway for leaders to refine their leadership styles, navigate challenges, and ultimately drive organisational success.

Effective leadership in today’s dynamic landscape demands adaptability, rapid learning, and strategic foresight. Leaders must navigate global economic, social, and geopolitical pressures with resilience and agility. In South Africa, amidst challenges like power cuts, social inequality, and economic volatility, leaders need to be creative and agile decision-makers.

The aftermath of the pandemic has accelerated trends like hybrid work environments, emphasising the need for perceptive leaders who can set standards and support sustainable business practices. Strategic leadership, as highlighted by experts, bridges the gap between strategy and execution, ensuring organizational resilience and growth.

Leadership development through executive education and coaching plays a crucial role in equipping leaders with the necessary skills to thrive in uncertain conditions. Coaching, in particular, fosters self-awareness and emotional intelligence, essential for effective decision-making and team leadership.

Ultimately, successful leaders leverage collaborative learning environments and business simulations to refine their strategies and skills. These experiences not only enhance professional growth but also prepare leaders to tackle real-world challenges across operational domains.

By embracing these principles of adaptive leadership, strategic foresight, and continuous learning, leaders can effectively steer their organisations through today’s complex and ever-changing business landscape.

Professor Karl Hofmeyr is Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Emeritus Professor and teaches on leadership and organisational behaviour and is lead faculty of the esteemed General Management Programme (GMP).