Leaders need to evolve: The imperative of upskilling and coaching

“Leaders at all levels need to upskill to manage new realities including Gen Zs, remote working, hybrid teams and multiculturalism,” writes Mario Cassar, an accredited senior practitioner coach on LinkedIn following a Malta Chamber of SMEs Conference.

His statement underscores the shifting landscape of leadership, which calls for adaptability beyond technical expertise.

During a panel discussion, the need for comprehensive leadership skills - those that nurture, promote, and sustain high-performance organisational cultures - was highlighted.

Mr Cassar noted that today's leaders must be equipped to build teams capable of navigating future challenges, remarking, “high performance teams do not come out of thin air, but by design.”

Leadership development is no longer limited to performance coaching aimed at rectifying issues. Mr Cassar pointed out that coaching and mentoring are increasingly recognised as essential development interventions, with an International Coaching Federation (ICF) survey revealing that 78 per cent of organisations are prioritising leadership coaching to enhance leadership skills, compared to 45 per cent for performance coaching.

Mr Cassar’s insight encapsulates why leaders must prioritise continuous development: “Adaptability is key to survival and coaching helps leaders navigate the ebbs and flows of these challenging journeys.”

With Gen Z entering the workforce, the rise of remote and hybrid teams, and increasing multiculturalism, leadership must evolve to not only attract and retain talent but to foster an environment conducive to sustained high performance.

As Malta’s business landscape continues to shift, recognising and investing in leadership coaching and upskilling initiatives becomes essential for organisations aiming for long-term success