Do we need to rethink how we lead in these complex times?
Wednesday 13 September 2023
In a visit to one of the schools in our family the Head of School recommended this fantastic article. He is using it as the basis of his leadership development programme for his leadership team. It is fantastic.
I really encourage you to download the whole article. In this blog I try to provide a quick summary.
A new leadership context is emerging, with organisations facing an increasing number of challenges from over 12 megatrends and the need to continually transform becoming a business imperative. To thrive in this new era of demands, leaders need to think and act differently.
Reports and forecasting data from businesses, governments, and think tanks collectively show how at least 12 megatrends are fundamentally changing the context of leadership.These trends include: climate change and increasing scarcity of natural resources, rising geopolitical tension, hyper-connection via social media, advancing technology, shifting economic powers, rising inequality, a growing global skills gap, and increasing numbers of disruptive start-ups. Leaders can’t tackle this new era with old thinking and outdated approaches. To sustain high performance in today’s megatrends environment, a fundamental shift in thinking and decision making is required.
Findings suggest five mindsets are essential for leaders to adopt if they are to be successful in the context of the megatrends. Each mindset is seemingly contradictory yet interrelated; they are paradoxes and leaders must learn to hold all five mindsets whilst simultaneously embracing the inherent tension in each.
Future-fit leaders held the mindset that they must always act in a way that is aligned with their values and try to do the right thing at the first opportunity, whilst at the same time acknowledging that they need to be “savvy” in the circumstances and make practical compromises based on the specific context of certain situations.
Key behaviours:
- Do what’s right when you first get the opportunity
- Live your values
- Be honest what you can’t be transparent about
Future-fit leaders held the mindset that it’s impossible for them to have ambitious goals alone, whilst at the same time acknowledging that as a leader, they must build belief; inspiring others to have confidence in them (their strategy, their vision, their decisions) and in their overall ability to deliver results.
Key behaviours:
- Surround yourself with experts
- Be honest about your own limitations
- Get inspired by others
- Don’t be afraid to build your credibility
The leaders we interviewed put a lot of energy into building their credibility, they knew that to achieve ambitious missions they had to bring people with them: “I’ve always believed that people buy into people, and if you can get them to buy into you, they ultimately will buy into your beliefs as well.” And, they did it by making every interaction count: “The biggest impact is actually being able to make sure that in every touch point that I have, with everyone in my teams or everyone that I’m working with, I’m trying to add value to every single one of those exchanges.”
Future-fit leaders held the mindset that they have a responsibility for making a difference and safeguarding the business, whilst at the same time appreciating the need to drive innovation and disrupt the status quo. In essence, these leaders believe anything is possible and everything is worth trying (i.e., they dream big, take risks, and embrace experimentation), whilst simultaneously staying pragmatic about what can and needs to be achieved.
Key behaviours:
- Stay positive and optimistic
- Empower people to make decisions
- Welcome feedback, criticism and problems
- Avoid success inertia
Future-thinking leaders held the mindset that to achieve ambitious goals they need to be relentless and determined, whilst at the same time believing it’s important to keep perspective and deeply value their own and other’s wellbeing. Consequently, their work projects and goals were both everything to them and yet not everything. They were highly driven, never satisfied, and yet able to appreciate the things that matter in life.
Key behaviours:
- Set objectives that are aggressive
- Celebrate performance (as well as attainment)
- Make space for your own and others’ wellbeing
Future-thinking leaders held the mindset that they must make tough decisions to achieve performance, whilst at the same time acknowledging that they also need to remain compassionate no matter what.
Key behaviours:
- Be curious, not condemning
- Prioritise communication (especially in tough moments)
The future-fit leaders interviewed all deeply appreciated the importance of being self-aware and self-reflective. As a leader, how well do you know yourself? “ It’s about knowing your strengths and knowing your limitations as well.