Critical Competencies For High-performing Cultures
Reflecting on my work in conflict, culture and leadership development what I see are some of the critical human competencies we need to build connected, high-performing cultures. In the past we’ve always differentiated soft and hard skills for leading ourselves, others and organisations well – but we should start thinking about some of the core human competencies that help take us from functioning to flourishing.
The Power of Perspective
One of the most transformative skills in leadership and teamwork is the ability to shift perspectives. Whether I’m working with a team navigating conflict, coaching a leader on strategic growth, or facilitating a retreat, I see growing perspective as a game-changer.
Why? Because perspective enables us to step beyond our own assumptions and biases. It lets us see challenges—and opportunities—through the lens of others, people affected and even new wisdom, opening capacity for connection as well as moving from positions to possibilities.
Listening to Learn, Not to Win
Too often, we approach conversations with a mindset of defending, persuading or reacting. Real transformation happens when we listen with curiosity, not in competition. Listening to learn fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and builds emotional and social intelligence—core competencies for leading ourselves, others and systems well.
Moving from Rupture to Repair
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to divide or ruin us. A leader’s ability to guide their team, their whole organisation or system from rupture to repair is critical. Repairing relationships means owning our part, creating space for others’ perspectives, and working together to rebuild trust. It’s not just a leadership skill—it’s a life skill. How powerful is a meaningful apology? An acknowledgement of a wrong and a commitment to setting things right is so powerful and yet so often we focus on the resolution without repair.
Finding and Facilitating Connection
Leadership isn’t just about individuals; it’s about understanding how people, teams, and systems interact and interconnect. Leaders who adopt a whole-system and whole-person mindset lead better. When we can find and facilitate connection, we align culture and strategy, we have the courage to work with issues early, often and directly and we know how important it is to genuinely ensure people feel seen, heard, known and ideally celebrated.
Why It Matters?
If we can grow these core human competencies, we are better equipped to innovate, to handle complexity with confidence, grow choice, collaboration and connection.
Want help moving from (dys)functioning to flourishing? Get on our dance card @DISCO.
#Leadership #Transformation #ConflictResolution #RelationalFirstAid #Perspective #Growth
RIKKI MAWAD works with individuals and organisations to develop leadership, resolve conflict, improve communications and effectively engage stakeholders. Rikki is passionate about values-based leadership and co-creating programs that result in real change. She has her own consulting business and maintains university teaching and research appointments in Tasmania and Queensland.