The Future of Leadership: Why Kindness and Emotional Intelligence Matter More Than Ever

Key Insights 

• Leadership expectations are evolving—employees now prioritize emotional intelligence, empathy, and servant leadership.  

• The shift towards people-first leadership accelerated during COVID and continues with a new generation of leaders.  

• Companies that focus only on revenue and efficiency without investing in culture and employee well-being will struggle with retention.  

• Modern candidates evaluate a company’s leadership style during the hiring process, making an engaging and transparent experience crucial.  

• Businesses that embrace this shift will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.  

Jax Willey, Advanced Manufacturing National Practice Leader, says, “In my work as a recruiter, I speak with thousands of manufacturing professionals each year—candidates, executives, and hiring managers alike. In the world of contract manufacturing and injection molding, leadership expectations are shifting, and the companies that recognize this change will be the ones that thrive in coming years.” 

The shift in leadership expectations 

For decades, leadership followed a top-down model. Decisions were made in boardrooms and handed down with little regard for collaboration or individual well-being. That style of leadership is rapidly becoming a liability. The new generation of workers—particularly those stepping into leadership roles themselves—wants more than directives and financial targets. They want leaders who are human first.  

The impact of generational change and COVID

This shift started during COVID, when employees had a chance to reevaluate their priorities. At the same time, a generational transition in leadership has been underway. As seasoned leaders retire, companies that are succession planning must recognize that the next wave of talent expects something different.  

Traits of successful modern leaders 

The most successful leaders today exhibit traits that would have been undervalued in past decades. The demand for emotional intelligence, active listening, and servant leadership has never been higher. People want to work for leaders who inspire, who help their teams grow both individually and collectively, and who prioritize culture just as much as performance.  

Companies that still focus solely on driving revenue, efficiency, and output without considering how they develop and support their people will struggle with retention. The workforce is no longer willing to accept a culture where kindness, empathy, and personal development are afterthoughts. If you want a team that stays, grows, and builds long-term success, leadership must be about more than numbers.  

The competitive advantage of people-first leadership 

Jax says, “This is the reality I see every day in manufacturing, and especially in contract manufacturing and injection molding. The companies that understand this shift will have an edge in attracting and keeping top talent. Those that don’t will continue to see high turnover, disengaged employees, and difficulty filling key leadership roles.” 

Aligning high processes with leadership trends 

Beyond leadership itself, the candidate experience during the hiring process must also reflect this shift. Companies that want to attract the best talent need to ensure their interview process aligns with these modern expectations—offering a transparent, engaging, and respectful experience that showcases the culture and values they want to promote. Candidates today are not just assessing the job; they are evaluating whether a company’s leadership truly embodies the qualities they seek.  

Building strong leadership pipelines 

For companies looking to build strong leadership pipelines, the solution is clear: seek out leaders who embody emotional intelligence and a people-first mindset. Having spent years matching leaders to cultures with a spark of inspiration, I’ve seen firsthand how the right fit can transform an organization. The future of leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about inspiring, supporting, and elevating those around you. The companies that embrace this philosophy will be the ones that thrive for decades to come.  

If you’re thinking about your company’s next generation of leadership, reach out to Jax Willey anytime to brainstorm about your upcoming successions.