Leave your ego at the door.

It is generally accepted that an important aspect of leadership is influencing others. Broadly speaking, there are six ways a leader can influence people: (1) by giving commands, (2) by setting the pace, (3) by sharing the vision, (4) by coaching, (5) by creating harmony, and (6) by including others in the decision-making process. Each of these approaches has its strengths, and its effectiveness depends on the context, the situation at hand, and the individuals a leader needs to influence.

Alpha-male leaders tend to resort largelyto the firsttwo styles, taking a directive and pacesetting approach. This might seem natural enough to individuals who discern a clear dichotomy between leaders and followers (rather than seeing leadership as a relational and collective experience). To them, leadership is unilateral. I lead, you follow. Basta.

But life under the megatrends will demand a different understanding of leadership. Let's be clear: We are not suggesting thatfuture leaders need to be beta-males and females, unremarkable types who avoid risk and confrontation. Leadership in 2030 will call for individuals who choose notto see themselves as heroes, as headlines, or as patrons (mein Madchen), and who do not put their egos first. The leaders of the future will not be egocentric. They will be...