DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-042-9-0081

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN LEADERSHIP: DEFINING THE LEADER OF THE FUTURE

Izabela Krauze¹

¹ Czestochowa University of Technology, 69 J.H. Dąbrowskiego Street, Częstochowa, Poland

The collected data show that Generation Z values leaders who demonstrate strong soft skills. The highest-rated traits, such as trust, open communication, and fairness, match key elements of inclusive leadership. The young generation wants leadership styles in organizations to be based on relationships and empathy. The behaviour of CEOs during the COVID-19 pandemic reflected a growing focus on emotional well-being and collective engagement with employees. In practice, this means that organizations will need to adapt their culture to better fit the needs of the youngest employees. According to the research results, leaders who support diversity and fairness have a positive impact on team creativity and innovation. A learning culture can be an ideal environment for this, where employees are not afraid of making mistakes because they know it can lead to new and better solutions.

Keywords: leadership, leader characteristics, leader of the future, Generation Z

pages: 81-82, online: 2025