Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When you think of "leadership qualities," do you picture someone confident, assertive and able to make tough decisions under pressure? Or do you imagine a person with an inspiring vision for the future? In this day and age, we need leaders who can guide us in today's world. The skills required by this new era go beyond what once made leaders successful; it requires being able to lead people through emotional challenges, such as conflicts or crises, without resorting to harsh or coercive tactics. Today's leaders must be able to speak the language of multiple generations, to understand how our ever-changing technologies are shaping society and their organization, and to embrace diversity in all its forms.