In a recent interview with the CEO of a global financial firm, the journalist asked them what a good leader looks like in today’s world. The answer was clear: «A leader today has to manage and own many dimensions: everything is important, from the client focus to the internal processes through to diversity. The task has become extremely complex».

It is true. Leadership is much more complex in our current and rapidly changing world. Regardless of the industry, disruption can be rapid and dramatic. What is then leadership for ? It is obvious that leaders need to act and consider all aspects of business and not just «the style of their leadership». We have identified 12 areas, in 4 categories, to summarize those aspects or dimensions.

But to out-perform, being aware of those dimensions is not enough. Leaders must select and focus on a maximum of 3 dimensions, that will be the real drivers of their actions and that will drive their leadership. And depending on that choice, the recipe of success and the way to cascade down and align managers and teams will be completely different. It is a question of choice and focus. Successful companies are very clear on their drivers.