Casting Tomorrow's Leaders: Share Your Insights on What Skills Will Define the Next Generation?

What Skills Do Next-Gen Leaders Need? Share Your Thoughts!

The workplace is evolving, and with it, the expectations of leadership. Next-generation leaders must navigate complex team dynamics, fast-changing industries, and an increasingly interconnected world. But what skills are most critical for their success?

The Next-Gen Committee is committed to answering that question. As part of our efforts, we are proposing a new mission and goals for approval by the Board to better support the development of future leaders within NFFS member companies.

Next-Gen Committee Purpose & Mission
Our purpose is simple: To support NFFS member companies in developing and empowering future leaders, ensuring successful operations and seamless leadership succession for long-term growth and sustainability.

To achieve this, we aim to:

Facilitate Networking and Engagement Opportunities – Create platforms for in-person, virtual, and social media engagement to foster professional connections and knowledge sharing.

Enhance Membership Value and Participation for Future Leaders – Develop initiatives that provide meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders and their mentors to grow within the organization.

Provide Comprehensive Leadership Development Programs – Offer flexible training programs that support leadership transitions, team building, and professional advancement.

Build Partnerships and Resource Networks – Establish partnerships with like-minded organizations and create a resource bureau to support leadership growth and workforce development.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
To support its mission, the Next-Gen Committee is launching an interactive webinar series led by industry experts. Designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, adaptability, and confidence to excel, this series will provide practical insights into leadership development, innovation, and team management.

Sessions will focus on strengthening leadership foundations, fostering adaptability, and enhancing workplace culture and team performance. Leaders will also gain strategies for succession planning, continuous learning, and long-term professional growth. By cultivating a strong leadership pipeline, this initiative aims to prepare the next generation to lead with confidence and drive industry success.

This webinar series is ideal for:

• Emerging Leaders – Professionals ready to take on greater leadership roles.
  
• Team Leads and Managers – Current leaders looking to refine their skills and prepare for more responsibility.
  
  
• High-Performing Career Changers – Those transitioning from technical or specialized roles into leadership positions.
  
  

We Want Your Input
The workplace is evolving, and with it, the expectations of leadership. Next-generation leaders must navigate complex team dynamics, fast-changing industries, and an increasingly interconnected world. But what skills are most critical for their success?

We’ve outlined a few topics that could shape the future of leadership. We’d love to hear your thoughts:

Healthy Conflict Engagement – Conflict isn’t necessarily bad; it’s how we handle it that matters. How can leaders turn tension into productive conversations instead of avoiding or escalating issues?

Breaking into Exclusive Professional Circles – Networking often feels like a “secret society.” What are the best ways for emerging leaders to find the right opportunities and build connections in competitive industries?

Aligning Sales, Marketing, and Operations – Silos can stifle growth. How can organizations encourage seamless collaboration across these crucial departments?

Communicating When It’s Tough – Whether it’s delivering difficult news, speaking up in meetings, or addressing conflict, strong communication is key. What strategies work best for leaders who naturally shy away from tough conversations?

Taking Action vs. Standing Still – Leaders often grapple with knowing when to take bold action and when to wait. How do you strike the right balance between risk-taking and patience?

Turning Failure into Growth – Many of the world’s most successful leaders have experienced major setbacks. How can we normalize failure as a learning tool rather than a roadblock?

Finding (and Being) a Mentor – Guidance from the right mentor can change the trajectory of a career. What’s the best way to find a mentor—or become one?

Building a Strong Professional Network – Who you know matters. But how do you cultivate meaningful relationships beyond surface-level connections?

Being Vulnerable in a Professional Setting – Authenticity is often linked to strong leadership, yet many still see vulnerability as a weakness. How can leaders strike the right balance?

Developing Your Professional Superpower – What is the one skill that can set you apart as a leader? How do you discover and refine your unique professional edge?

These topics are at the core of what it takes to lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. We want to hear from you! Which of these resonate most with you? What other topics do you think are essential for future leaders?

Let’s start the conversation! Click over to our quick survey and let us know your thoughts.