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by 2030. The labour market has increased they are anchored, authentic and consistent.
churn, languishing engagement, reduced trust
and loyalty. A leader’s conviction to create an impact
beyond themselves can motivate them, and
In this environment, “followership” is best will build resilience to criticism and setbacks.
understood as a choice. Even when they are
contracted to a team or enterprise, people 4. Accelerate – learn faster
make daily choices of how much effort, Why don’t we have enough leaders with the
engagement and loyalty they exhibit. skills needed for modern organisations?
As such, leaders need to have the mindset Firstly, organisations develop and promote
of forming alliances, within their team and people to look like the successes of the
beyond it. Individualism is increasing, and past. They use “rear-view mirror” elements
workers usually want to be embraced for who like case-studies from the past, as well as
they are, not how they appear to conform. mentors and role models who share historic
experiences and routes to success.
Leaders should strive to ensure a positive
experience for each person. To do this they Secondly, it’s common to focus on the “what”
need to genuinely care for those around them and “how” of leadership rather than on the
and provide flexibility without compromising “who”. Leaders today must find the conviction
the goals of the organisation. and courage to pursue their purpose and live
by their values. As second world war British
3. Aspire to make a positive impact field marshal Viscount William Slim said:
This is a purposeful aspiration, and is bigger “Leadership is intensely personal … it’s just
than any one leader. It’s impossible to keep plain you.”
everyone happy all the time on everything. The time and energy of leaders are limited –
And minor complaints can be amplified by so they have to learn faster.
chatbots and fake news.
If you’re a manager, you can be the solution
In this hostile context many people in positions
of leadership are failing to lead. Some to the current crisis of leadership. You need
may be deliberately irresponsible or self- to take ownership of your own development
and also accelerate the development of others
serving, but many failures of leadership are a around you.
consequence of being intimidated by criticism,
to the point of paralysis. They may delay, Leadership is in a crisis but there is an
ignore or be less than transparent on difficult antidote – you. You need to aspire, ally, adapt
decisions when they fear attack. and accelerate.
Successful leaders must have the courage to
expose themselves to hostility. They may gain
popularity with an attractive vision, but they
will not be effective in delivering on it unless theconversation.com
18 September 2024
