17 answers
Martasia
Student
Dublin, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
804 views
What qualities does your organization look for in future leaders”?
Understanding this will help me align my academic and professional goals with the qualities that matter most in this industry. #Fall25
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17 answers
Chris Beall
Human Resources
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Martasia,
When we think about future leaders, we focus on how people present themselves rather than their titles. A positive attitude is key. Being open, eager to learn, and positive is often more important than knowing everything. We look for individuals who are curious, do the right thing, respect others, keep their promises, and adapt when things change.
Strong grades and being well-rounded are important too. Doing well in school shows discipline, and joining clubs or activities you care about helps you gain confidence and skills. Find something you love, stay involved, and keep growing from there.
Building relationships is just as crucial. Learning to connect, listen, work together, and build trust will take you far.
Good luck!
When we think about future leaders, we focus on how people present themselves rather than their titles. A positive attitude is key. Being open, eager to learn, and positive is often more important than knowing everything. We look for individuals who are curious, do the right thing, respect others, keep their promises, and adapt when things change.
Strong grades and being well-rounded are important too. Doing well in school shows discipline, and joining clubs or activities you care about helps you gain confidence and skills. Find something you love, stay involved, and keep growing from there.
Building relationships is just as crucial. Learning to connect, listen, work together, and build trust will take you far.
Good luck!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
654
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Before you can lead an organization, you must first learn to lead yourself properly. Organizations seek future leaders who communicate well, act responsibly, and make a meaningful impact on their team and organization. They value qualities like respect, punctuality, self-reliance, integrity, and accountability. Being curious, eager to learn, and proactive is also important.
Future leaders are good problem solvers, think creatively, and face challenges with fresh ideas and a global view. They work well with others, build trust, and inspire through actions rather than authority. Instead of acting like traditional bosses, they guide, encourage positive thinking, share knowledge, and lead by example.
You can start building these skills by focusing on yourself. Reflect on your challenges and failures, analyze how you solve problems, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Practicing self-discipline, learning from mistakes, and seeking growth opportunities will prepare you for leadership. Getting involved in your community, volunteering, joining clubs, or gaining experience through training, internships, or courses can further support your growth.
Future leaders are good problem solvers, think creatively, and face challenges with fresh ideas and a global view. They work well with others, build trust, and inspire through actions rather than authority. Instead of acting like traditional bosses, they guide, encourage positive thinking, share knowledge, and lead by example.
You can start building these skills by focusing on yourself. Reflect on your challenges and failures, analyze how you solve problems, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Practicing self-discipline, learning from mistakes, and seeking growth opportunities will prepare you for leadership. Getting involved in your community, volunteering, joining clubs, or gaining experience through training, internships, or courses can further support your growth.
Kimberly Soules
Senior Manager
1
Answer
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
First off—just by asking this question, you're already on the right path. Curiosity, self-awareness, and a drive to grow are the foundation of strong leadership.
I can tell you that future leaders aren’t just the ones with the most experience or the loudest voice—they’re the ones who build their emotional intelligence (EQ), take initiative, and lead by example. That starts with stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to learning from everyone around you.
A true leader doesn’t sit at the top pointing fingers—they’re out front clearing roadblocks for the team, listening more than talking, and stepping in when help is needed. I never ask my team to do anything I’m not willing to do myself—and more often than not, I do jump in when they need support. Leadership means trusting your people to do what they were hired to do, even knowing that mistakes will happen. That’s okay. In fact, it’s essential. The best leaders create an environment where people feel safe to fail, learn, and grow—without fear of being micromanaged.
It's important to know that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and reflection. You should always be mentoring others and remaining a student yourself. And oftentimes the most valuable feedback comes not from your boss, but from the people you lead. That kind of feedback should spark serious self-reflection—it’s how real leadership evolves.
Keep asking questions like this. Keep learning. If you do, you’re already becoming the kind of leader any organization would be lucky to have.
I can tell you that future leaders aren’t just the ones with the most experience or the loudest voice—they’re the ones who build their emotional intelligence (EQ), take initiative, and lead by example. That starts with stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to learning from everyone around you.
A true leader doesn’t sit at the top pointing fingers—they’re out front clearing roadblocks for the team, listening more than talking, and stepping in when help is needed. I never ask my team to do anything I’m not willing to do myself—and more often than not, I do jump in when they need support. Leadership means trusting your people to do what they were hired to do, even knowing that mistakes will happen. That’s okay. In fact, it’s essential. The best leaders create an environment where people feel safe to fail, learn, and grow—without fear of being micromanaged.
It's important to know that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and reflection. You should always be mentoring others and remaining a student yourself. And oftentimes the most valuable feedback comes not from your boss, but from the people you lead. That kind of feedback should spark serious self-reflection—it’s how real leadership evolves.
Keep asking questions like this. Keep learning. If you do, you’re already becoming the kind of leader any organization would be lucky to have.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Martasia. Our organization looks for a mix of character, practical skills, and long-term potential when choosing future leaders. One of the most important qualities we look for is emotional intelligence. This means being able to understand your own feelings and the feelings of others. Leaders with emotional intelligence communicate clearly, listen carefully, and show empathy. They can work well with different types of people, handle conflict calmly, and build strong, trusting relationships.
We also value a growth mindset. Our future leaders should be curious and willing to learn new things. Since our industry moves fast, we need people who stay open to change, accept feedback, and look for ways to improve. A growth mindset shows up in someone's school choices, training efforts, and their willingness to take on new or challenging tasks.
Another key quality is strategic thinking. This means being able to look beyond daily tasks and understand how decisions affect the bigger picture. Leaders who think strategically can analyze problems, consider different solutions, and plan for the future. They help the organization stay competitive by making thoughtful choices that support long-term goals.
We also place a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability. Good leaders act honestly, keep their promises, and take responsibility for their actions. When mistakes happen, they own them and learn from them. This builds trust and creates a workplace where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best.
Furthermore, we look for individuals who demonstrate collaboration. Strong leaders know how to bring people together. They encourage teamwork, appreciate different viewpoints, and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
We also value a growth mindset. Our future leaders should be curious and willing to learn new things. Since our industry moves fast, we need people who stay open to change, accept feedback, and look for ways to improve. A growth mindset shows up in someone's school choices, training efforts, and their willingness to take on new or challenging tasks.
Another key quality is strategic thinking. This means being able to look beyond daily tasks and understand how decisions affect the bigger picture. Leaders who think strategically can analyze problems, consider different solutions, and plan for the future. They help the organization stay competitive by making thoughtful choices that support long-term goals.
We also place a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability. Good leaders act honestly, keep their promises, and take responsibility for their actions. When mistakes happen, they own them and learn from them. This builds trust and creates a workplace where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best.
Furthermore, we look for individuals who demonstrate collaboration. Strong leaders know how to bring people together. They encourage teamwork, appreciate different viewpoints, and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
- Collaborative, open minded, agile
- Innovative spirit
- Innovative spirit
Troy McIntosh
HR
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Most companies value emotional intelligence. This means being aware of your own emotions, staying motivated, understanding others, being socially skilled, and having self-control. While it's important to be skilled in your area, like finance or marketing, it's even more crucial to help develop other leaders. Companies also seek people who can create and lead a strategic vision beyond daily tasks. Focus on emotional intelligence, developing others, and strategic leadership to succeed.
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
- Proactive and consistent communication
- Leadership, initiative, collaboration, willingness to learn
- Leadership, initiative, collaboration, willingness to learn
Jacob Allen, MBA
Associate Director - Specialty Sales
2
Answers
Peyton, Colorado
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
This is a forward looking question, I love it. Every company and organization within company is going to have a different set of skills/characteristics they are looking for. In my experience there are a few key factors that set future leaders up for success.
The first is being well organized. Someone who is able to handle multiple responsibilities and keep them all on track has a leg up on the competition. This is also crucial as a leader as you will be in a position to teach others how to manage their time.
The second would be someone who can drive change within their organization. You will have to handle change in your career, but being able to navigate it is a different beast. As a young leader you should be looking for ways to leverage technology and people together to enhance or elevate the change experience.
The last would be a characteristic of not being afraid to fail. When I was younger I struggled with the desire to avoid failure, often leading me to avoid situations that may have allowed me to fail (which I needed!). Failure is part of life, you learn so much from trying new things or pushing the envelope. Take calculated risk and don't allow the status quo to be the way things are done if there is a better way.
The first is being well organized. Someone who is able to handle multiple responsibilities and keep them all on track has a leg up on the competition. This is also crucial as a leader as you will be in a position to teach others how to manage their time.
The second would be someone who can drive change within their organization. You will have to handle change in your career, but being able to navigate it is a different beast. As a young leader you should be looking for ways to leverage technology and people together to enhance or elevate the change experience.
The last would be a characteristic of not being afraid to fail. When I was younger I struggled with the desire to avoid failure, often leading me to avoid situations that may have allowed me to fail (which I needed!). Failure is part of life, you learn so much from trying new things or pushing the envelope. Take calculated risk and don't allow the status quo to be the way things are done if there is a better way.
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
- A sense of urgency, ability to remove obstacles, critical thinking and flexibility.
- Strategic mind, honesty, integrity, drive
- Strategic mind, honesty, integrity, drive
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
467
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Qualities of good leaders include integrity, flexibility, communication skills (especially a good listener), and organizational skills. These are just a few that are important.
With every good wish and many blessings.
With every good wish and many blessings.
Kristen Roth
Human Resources
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
This is a great question and you've already received some fantastic answers! There are many qualities that come to mind - agility, curiosity, self-aware, emotional intelligence, calm and confident in a turbuluent time - just to name a few. The leaders I've seen be the most successful are those that invest in both their business and relationships. They engage, lean in, stay present and listen when their teams are working together and have an understanding of their and the team's strengths and weaknesses. When the environment shifts, they are right there with you leading the team on the path forward. For your academic goals, align yourself with an area you are interested in. You're more willing to engage on something you enjoy and that is the foundation!
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
When we look for future-ready leaders, we seek individuals who embody both courage and curiosity, eager to learn processes and capabilities from end to end. It's vital to have a solid grasp of both upstream and downstream processes, as this holistic view helps leaders think with an enterprise-first mindset. Curiosity is the spark that brings clarity, enabling us to unlock value throughout the entire workflow.
As AI continues to revolutionize how quickly we can get answers, it also gives leaders the space to step back and appreciate the bigger picture. This is precisely where courage, paired with curiosity, empowers us to make bold leaps forward. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and who are willing to collaborate across the organization—whether that means working with upstream or downstream partners—to truly reshape the way we work and create lasting impact.
-- Jessica Kipp, HP Inc., SVP, Supply Chain Customer Operations & Logistics
As AI continues to revolutionize how quickly we can get answers, it also gives leaders the space to step back and appreciate the bigger picture. This is precisely where courage, paired with curiosity, empowers us to make bold leaps forward. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and who are willing to collaborate across the organization—whether that means working with upstream or downstream partners—to truly reshape the way we work and create lasting impact.
-- Jessica Kipp, HP Inc., SVP, Supply Chain Customer Operations & Logistics
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
Be confident but not cocky. Maintain eye contact and be ready to give examples of your accomplishments and experiences. Don’t over embellish.
Bring your true self and highlight the abilities that match the job requirements.
Bring your true self and highlight the abilities that match the job requirements.
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
- Accountability, Innovation and Self-starter
- Integrity, hard work ethic
- Integrity, hard work ethic
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
- Being collaborative and having a hunger for learning
- Resiliency and adaptability
- Resiliency and adaptability
HP Volunteers
63
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
HP’s Answer
When we look at future leaders in Finance, we value character and integrity above all else. As strategic advisors to the business, trust is essential and we want leaders who operate with transparency, sound judgment, and a strong ethical foundation. From there, we also look for strategic thinking, a strong sense of ownership and accountability, collaboration, agility, a focus on talent development, and the ability to execute with speed and discipline. Ultimately, it’s about people who not only deliver results, but who do it the right way.
-- Karen Parkhill, HP Inc., Chief Financial Officer
-- Karen Parkhill, HP Inc., Chief Financial Officer
Bianca Zavala
Humans Resource Manager
9
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Bianca’s Answer
Many organizations look for future leaders who demonstrate the right attitude and strong motivation. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial, as the ability to navigate evolving situations helps leaders guide their teams effectively. We also value leaders who are resourceful—those who can research, gather information, and utilize available resources to make informed decisions. Building the brand and developing strong relationships, both within the team and with external partners, are key qualities we seek. Lastly, being a true team player is essential; successful leaders collaborate well with others, support their team, and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.