For those that know me, you know I'm all about helping people and businesses succeed. I've worked with a wide range of companies, from SME, not for profit to large big global entities, across different sectors like tech, construction, health, and more - and I'm always looking into what makes a great leader.
Right now, there are two big challenges leaders are facing:
1) Knowing Our People:
For the first time ever, there are five generations working together. We have the traditional/silent generation - those who lived through wars and adopt an approach of head down and keep going, all the way to Gen Z who want to know the organisation has purpose and their opinions matter. They're all about diversity, respect, and having their voices heard.
2) Figuring Out How We Work:
The way we do business keeps changing. Companies are continually getting flatter, with more teamwork adopting ways of working like agile and adaptive. And a lot of us are working from home or a mix of home and office. On top of that, the business world is crazier than ever as we've had to navigate pandemics, climate change and now economic pressure. Some industries are growing fast, while others are struggling to keep up.
So, what does it take to be a leader right now? Firstly, it's not easy, there will always be challenge and change which can also make the role exciting. As leaders, we're adopting the role of temporary caretakers, taking stewardship for a period of time with the intent to leave people and businesses in a better place.
There is no silver bullet to being a perfect leader however through my experience I have identified 5 consistent mindsets:
Know Yourself:
Remember, everyone is a leader and influencer, all interactions are an opportunity to make a positive impact - be your authentic self and be mindful of how your attitude and actions affect others. Take time to know your strengths and opportunities to grow, and always be open to different opinions and perspectives.
Share Your Purpose:
People want to know why their work matters. Good leaders are always telling their team why they're doing what they're doing. It keeps everyone connected, enables collaboration and creates engagement.
Take Care of Your Team:
People come to work to do a good job. To help them, leaders need to create a safe space. It's not just about safety rules; it's about making sure everyone feels comfortable being themselves and sharing ideas.
Clear the Way:
Make sure your team has what they need to get things done. Systems, tools, and processes should match the company's values. Get rid of anything that slows them down.
Stick to Your Vision, but Stay Flexible:
Leaders need a plan but be ready to change it. Look at data, trends, and feedback to decide if you need to steer in a different direction.
Leading is a privilege, and we all have a big responsibility to inspire the people around us, you're not just steering a ship; you're nurturing a garden of growth for everyone around you.
I’d love to hear your builds on what you think is part of a leadership mindset today!