Never more has the need for authentic and transparent leadership been required.
The covid-19 pandemic has radically altered the way in which businesses are operating and servicing the consumer. Changes in strategy, management, people, systems, budgets, recruitment. Every single industry made practical adjustments to survive 2020.
However, the biggest change required is in the skills needed for effective leadership qualities.
You will always need a leader to take accountability. To be rational in decision making and to communicate effectively and consistently.
These fundamental leadership skills were heavily tested at the height of the covid-19 pandemic last year and remain key components during the current recovery phase. However, these skills will only take you so far. Empathy, transparency, authenticity, and empowerment. The human touch is needed more than ever.
You have a duty of care as a leader. Recognising when someone is struggling and having the compassion to check in on their well-being and state of mind is one of the most effective leadership qualities. To ignore this is neglectful and irresponsible. Especially when you consider how many employees are working remotely and in isolation.
Businesses need to be creating safe and open working cultures for employees to feel a sense of belonging in which their opinions, concerns and ideas will be heard and considered. People ultimately want to feel valued and respected by their employer and by the person leading the team.
Many businesses got this wrong last year and as a result, the fallout will have begun with high levels of disengagement and resignations.
A shift in culture and attitude will help leaders to stabilise staff retention and improve overall engagement, as will recognising leadership qualities early in your people.
A common misconception is that you need your people to already be operating in some form of senior management role to be considered a leader.
This is simply not true.
Leading through a high level of performance, an exemplary attitude, a willingness to assist and inspire others. You can be an effective and respected leader at any level.
Distribution and change always creates opportunities. Accelerating those that possess core leadership attributes along with the softer skills now required to lead in an evolving business landscape is going to be critical for many businesses across 2021 and beyond.
For those operating as senior business leaders and decision makers, it is time to take stock and decide what sort of leader you need to be.
