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The fundamental skills required for effective leadership haven't changed in the past 20 years, but some are now critical, according to an academic who urges leaders and employers to prioritise four "Cs".

Reflecting on changes over the two decades since the University of Queensland Business School started offering its MBA degree, associate professor & MBA director Nicole Hartley says leadership that's collaborative, confident, caring and curious is particularly important in the current landscape.

Collaborative leadership – as opposed to the more autocratic, hierarchical, task-orientated approach of days gone by – is "the new moving point", she says. It's about leading by example; employing high-level communication skills; being flexible; being open and attentive to other opinions and voices; and influencing and empowering others to do good work.

The ability to lead with care, empathy and kindness is about being "people-orientated rather than task-oriented"; and building better work cultures where employee wellbeing is taken seriously, and people feel valued because they are valued. Hartley says "inspirational" leadership is less important than purposeful leadership that empowers others to do their best and make good decisions...