Leadership in an ever-changing world

How to be an inspirational leader in an ever-changing world

Posted on 3rd August 2017 in Leadership Development

Leadership has never been easy and it is not a trait that we are automatically born with. You have to learn those all important leadership skills which are particularly important when working with the diverse, melting pot of people in business today.

The world is moving faster than ever and multiple generations are working together in the workplace – Generation X, Y and Z all with differing outlooks and experiences of life. This combination of generations in an office can prove difficult for people in management and leadership positions. How can a young Gen Z leader who is ‘always on’ successfully work with an older Gen X team member who values work life balance? http://www.nextgeneration.ie/generation-x-vs-y-vs-z-workplace-edition
 

It is very much up to the individual to develop his personal leadership style. Whether you are working in 2017 or 2030 the same rules will apply. You are a successful leader if people are ‘following you’ and it’s up to you to test the best way to approach leading a particular team. Herminia Ibarra reframed the core leadership concept of authenticity, showing that the most effective leaders scan the environment for clues on how to act and “fake it”, chameleon-style, until they find a style that works for them.

What if my style of leadership isn’t right or doesn’t work? 

Once you’ve decided your approach you’ve got to be strong and consistent so that people (your followers) can buy into this vision and spread the word within the business. The number 1 goal is to get the best out of people and your organisation. There’s a simple format that you can use to structure your approach to leadership whoever and whatever you are leading.

Decide and communicate what your bigger purpose is.

Setting your plan for your leadership position is like setting a plan for anything and it can’t be done quickly. It takes time and thought and an understanding of the culture and drivers of the people in the business.

Successful leadership vision

This is your chance to share your dream. Your vision needs to be clearly articulated at every possible occasion. You’ve got to focus on whats most important, know what you are doing and why you’re doing it. A useful vision would describe the impact you are having now and the legacy you’re creating 10-15 years from now.

Your mission

This is your written organisational statement of where you want to go and why. State what you want to achieve using a day to day leadership practice framework of meaning and values. This mission statement can be an evolving document which other individuals can contribute to. Its a guiding principle of values and standards and can bring together a ‘community of leaders’ all following the same leadership vision.

Successful strategies

This is how to achieve your leadership vision and mission. Plan it out in detail like a business plan. The strategies should encourage others to see how their contribution can make a difference and help others see a sense of purpose in their work.

Here are some examples from Strategy Business:

1. Distribute responsibly
2. Be honest and open about information
3. Create multiple paths for raising and testing ideas
4. Make it safe to fail
5. Provide access to other strategists
6. Develop opportunities for experience based learning
7. Hire for transformation
8. Bring your whole self to work
9. Find time to reflect
10. Recognize leadership development as an on-going practice
 
Leadership is not easy. Whatever your personal leadership style your job is to lead from the front. Work on your personal strength of character and always be authentic and stick with your personal principles as people are following you, you’ve got to be yourself, that’s the easiest bit.

 

Sartaj Garewal is the founder of Dynamic Presenting – a creative, leadership development consultancy, adapting theatre training to create leadership programs for business.

Dynamic Presenting – Enabling Powerful Communication