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Having discussed the 21st century environment, the skill and attribute competencies required to be an effective leader can now be defined. In order to keep pace with the globalization a leader needs to be learner. Continues learning is the hallmark in understanding the complexities of new millennium and dealing with its challenges. President John F. Kennedy while commenting on leadership once said that “Leadership and learning are indispensable of each other”. Learning leaders learn from their mistakes as they are open to challenge and critique. They understand their shortcoming and those of their people and organization and continuously strive to bring forth improvements. They also act as guidance for their subordinates and thrive to instil values enabling them to deal with the challenges faced. Spendlove states, “coaching and mentoring are key competencies of leadership”. On the other hand, Brown and Posner has termed ability to instil a learning mind-set into their organizations as a trademark leadership competency. A learning leader always remains vigilant towards beliefs, assumptions, practices and habits within their organizations that may impede the performance and positive change which is most sought in a 21st century environment.

Compassion is another key attribute warranted from an effective leader today. Requirement of compassion from military leaders may not be agreed upon by Sun Tzu. However, the times has changed and so have the essential requirement of an effective leader. In the past because of the clear distinction between troops and commanders the leader would not feel obliged to care for troops. On the contrary, troops today are more educated and aware of their surroundings. Class difference has diminished ...

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... deal with his troops and provide the requisite guidance needed. An effective leader is highly adaptable capable of shifting roles from combat to humanitarian operations with ease and comfort. With the advent of technology, an effective leader must be capable of understanding not only the modern systems but also use it to his advantage. He must be able to scrutinise the high flow of information in order to arrive at accurate and timely decisions. To predict the unknown and capitalize on emerging opportunities while taking requisite safeguards from threats is the hallmark of effective leaders in the 21st century. He must be collaborator to work in joint and multinational and multi-cultural environment with ease. An effective leader in sincere, honest and poses integrity which build his credibility. As Sun Tzu "He who masters them wins; those who do not are defeated."