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Bob Johansen’s “The New Leadership Literacies” delves into the evolving demands on executives and leaders in a rapidly changing and unpredictable future. Johansen emphasizes that traditional leadership models are no longer sufficient; instead, leaders must develop new literacies to thrive. This summary outlines the book’s major points with concrete examples and actionable strategies.

Johansen introduces the concept of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), a framework originally developed by the U.S. military to describe the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the modern world. For leaders, Johansen asserts that navigating the VUCA world requires a set of new leadership literacies.

Actionable Strategy:
Acknowledge and internalize the VUCA framework to understand the environment you are operating within. Develop a mindset that is comfortable with change and uncertainty.

Core Idea:
Johansen encourages leaders to ‘future-back’—to envision a future 10 or more years ahead and then look backwards to identify the steps required to reach that envisioned future.

Example:
Companies like Google use moonshot thinking to set long-term goals that seem nearly impossible but are achievable through incremental progress and innovation.

Actionable Strategy:
Regularly conduct future-back planning sessions. Gather your team to brainstorm about the future state of your industry and reverse-engineer the steps needed to get there.

Core Idea:
In a VUCA world, striving for clarity is more valuable than seeking certainty, which is often unattainable. Leaders must be clear about their intentions and flexible with their methods.

Example:
Intel’s Andy Grove famously navigated the microprocessor industry’s uncertainty through clear strategic focus paired with adaptable tactics.

Actionable Strategy:
Begin meetings by explicitly stating the intended outcomes and guiding principles. Encourage adaptability in how these objectives are achieved.

Core Idea:
Leaders need to continuously learn through immersive experiences rather than relying solely on analytical reasoning.

Example:
The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, immersed himself in the guest experience by staying in Airbnbs and understanding the customer journey firsthand.

Actionable Strategy:
Set aside regular intervals for immersive learning. Participate directly in various aspects of your business or industry to gain firsthand experience and insights.

Core Idea:
Understanding biological systems and natural patterns can offer profound insights into effective leadership and organizational dynamics.

Example:
Procter & Gamble uses nature-inspired innovation, biomimicry, to create products and streamline operations, recognizing patterns in biology that can be applied to business.

Actionable Strategy:
Incorporate biomimicry principles into your innovation processes. Study natural systems and apply their efficiencies and resilience patterns to your organizational challenges.

Core Idea:
Successful leaders must master the skill of reducing polarization and fostering collaboration among diverse groups with conflicting views.

Example:
Pope Francis has worked to depolarize deep-rooted conflicts within the Church and broader society by building bridges and encouraging dialogue.

Actionable Strategy:
Practice constructive depolarization by regularly engaging with and facilitating dialogue between groups with differing perspectives. Focus on common goals to bridge divides.

Johansen identifies five specific literacies that leaders must develop:

Description:
The ability to be personally prepared for the future by anticipating significant changes and positioning oneself for readiness.

Example:
Leaders like Jeff Bezos invest in personal development and remain curious about future trends and technologies.

Actionable Strategy:
Dedicate time each week to research and reflect on emerging trends and technologies. Develop a personal learning agenda that focuses on future readiness.

Description:
Building trust and fostering leadership in others is crucial, especially in a distributed and networked environment.

Example:
Satya Nadella at Microsoft emphasized empathy and growth mindset coaching as core to people leadership, transforming the company culture.

Actionable Strategy:
Create mentorship programs and foster a culture of trust and open communication. Encourage and support team members in their personal and professional growth.

Description:
The skill to lead resilient organizations that can adapt quickly to changes.

Example:
Toyota’s lean manufacturing process illustrates how organizational flexibility and continuous improvement contribute to resilience.

Actionable Strategy:
Implement regular feedback loops and continuous improvement processes in your organization. Cultivate an agile organizational structure that can pivot quickly in response to change.

Description:
The ability to influence and lead at the civic level, leveraging networks and coalitions for broader social impact.

Example:
Howard Schultz of Starbucks initiated civic conversations around social issues such as race and veterans’ affairs, using the company as a platform for societal impact.

Actionable Strategy:
Engage with community leaders and networks. Identify social issues aligned with your organization’s values and participate in civic projects or advocacy.

Description:
Staying ahead in the digital age by understanding and leveraging digital tools and platforms.

Example:
Elon Musk capitalizes on social media and digital platforms to engage with stakeholders directly and shape public narratives.

Actionable Strategy:
Invest in learning digital tools and platforms relevant to your industry. Encourage the use of data analytics and digital communication within your organization to enhance decision-making and engagement.

Johansen concludes by urging leaders to not just learn about these literacies but to embody and practice them continuously. The key to thriving in the VUCA world is through ongoing development and adaptation.

Final Actionable Strategy:
Develop a personal action plan that incorporates each of the new leadership literacies. Commit to regular self-assessment and reflection to stay aligned with future demands.

Final Thoughts:
“The New Leadership Literacies” provides a comprehensive guide for leaders aspiring to navigate the complexities of the future. By internalizing and practicing these literacies, leaders can steer their organizations towards resilience and success amidst uncertainty.