Key Issues 2024

Facing corporate global uncertainties, courageous leaders combine specific traits to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and create a better future for their organization. But what of, what Harvard calls the "Competing Commitment?" The ICC empowers leaders to recognize these new behavior opportunities and act as both architects, builders and custodians of trust --  in the best interest of the people, performance and productivity and doing so bravely in the presence of their own perceived personal comfort zone limitations.

In 2024 Human Capital Trends Analysis, internal constraints are among the top barriers to making meaningful progress in addressing human-centric needs within the workplace. This includes prioritizing human sustainability—creating workplace value for people as human beings and as contributors to mission. This involves enhancing well-being, employability, and equity.  ICC aids in the embracing of new frontiers at the intersection of talent experiences and  business delivery.

The ICC offers education programs that provide leaders and fellows inclusion safety expertise—whether it’s about belonging, learning, leading, contributing, or innovating—is everyone’s responsibility and an essential skill for future-proof culture. Learn the methods needed to be  

• Crafters of Unity: Imagine a tapestry where every team member weaves threads of trust, respect, skill and collaboration, creating a cohesive and vibrant organizational fabric.
• Composers of High Performance: Like an orchestra, employees compose an inclusive workplace. They wield the asset of perspective—an intricate blend of experiences, backgrounds, and viewpoints. to create a bold melody of acceptance which leads to innovation and wins.
• Stewards of Equity: Just as stewards safeguard valuable resources, individuals safeguard fairness and justice within the organization. Individual courageous actions therefore can and do shape workplace culture, impact colleagues, experiences and drive enterprise success.  

Skills don’t exist in isolation; they thrive within a courageous and diverse ecosystem. By nurturing these skills, leaders catalyze a culture of growth.  

ICC enables courageous leaders to foster an environment that supports and rewards bold behavior. When employees feel safe to take risks, they contribute to innovation, better problem-solving, and increased engagement. The goal is a culture where courage thrives and leads to skill development - faster.  The ICC methods set a foundation of continuous learning and adaptability.  In global, diverse workplaces, skills evolve rapidly. Leaders who encourage continuous learning—whether through training, mentorship, or exposure to different perspectives—empower their teams. ICC helps adaptability become a superpower. We collaborate with partners from diverse sectors and regions to promote knowledge sharing and build capacity for global corporate performance research and practice. Our partnerships enable us to conduct impactful research and implement effective interventions - at every skill level and spanning diverse disciplines.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a replacement for human intuition and empathy. Leaders who seek is expediency and integrate AI thoughtfully and courageously can create a harmonious blend of technology and humanity, driving their organizations toward a brighter future. ICC aids enterprises as they embrace AI as an enabler, while promoting practicing and policing its ethical use.  Leaders, especially in the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, can harness the power of AI to strategically enhance their careers, empower their employees, and drive business success.  

 The ICC research examines how Leader courage plays a pivotal role in navigating polarizing times and addressing key business policies. Helping leaders demonstrate courage and guide their organizations as they embrace complexity and uncertainty by first acknowledging that polarizing times bring diverse perspectives and conflicting opinions.  The ICC experts create safe space for leaders to courageously engage with stakeholders, even when faced with discomfort or disagreement. It takes corporate courage to avoid oversimplification and seek nuanced solutions. The bravery comes by way of transparent, honest communication while aligning internal policies with the organization’s core purpose - regardless of external weather. If employees feel empowered to focus on mission effectively, then monitoring impact and adapting as needed becomes easy. Courageous leadership is not about avoiding conflict but about facing it head-on with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to positive change.