The Leader of the Future

The Leader of the Future is a seminal anthology edited by Frances Hesselbein and Marshall Goldsmith, featuring a lead essay by Peter Drucker. Published in 1996, it brings together the world's most influential management thinkers to define the skills needed for the 21st century. Drucker argues that the future requires a shift from 'Heroic' to Post-Heroic Leadership, where the primary task is the management of knowledge and the creation of a 'society of organizations' that can thrive amidst global competition and rapid change.

The book details critical themes such as Leading the Knowledge Worker, the importance of Emotional Intelligence, and the transition from 'Command and Control' to Strategic Alliances. Contributors explore the role of the 'Global Citizen' and the need for leaders to manage the intersection of business and social good. The framework introduces the concept of the Boundaryless Organization and highlights the necessity of continuous self-renewal. The focus is on building organizations that are as diverse and flexible as the global markets they serve, prioritizing ethics over mere efficiency.

Essential reading for senior executives, policy makers, and organizational development specialists. Readers gain unparalleled depth by accessing a diverse range of Strategic Perspectives in a single volume. Practical applications include utilizing 'Scenario Planning' for societal shifts and restructuring HR policies to accommodate a more mobile and intellectual workforce. By internalizing these prophetic insights, leaders can position their organizations to be pioneers in the 'Next Society,' ensuring they remain relevant and respected in a world defined by information and interconnectedness.