4 Trends Influencing Today’s Leaders

Just as business is constantly evolving so too is leadership. To thrive in a landscape full of changing expectations and practices, people are being called to lead differently than in years past. Agility and collaboration are taking precedence over the more hierarchical and autocratic methodologies that managers may have been used to. 

In the current environment, leaders have an opportunity to expand their skill sets and cultivate an environment where employees and the bottom-line flourish. It’s important for those who are guiding organizations and staff – as well as the Learning & Development and Human Resources professionals who are shaping their training – to understand the context of four significant trends driving transformation in the workplace so that they are well-positioned to adapt. 

Trend #1 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Skills Implications 

With the introduction of AI, leaders are reshaping business practices and weaving this technology into the fabric of work. It’s also vital that they consider the impact AI will have on the workforce. Many job responsibilities and functions will be altered over the next several years. The International Monetary Fund estimates that 60% of jobs in advanced economies will be affected by AI. The companies that last will need to be prepared to adjust with proactive workforce planning, identify new team structures and equip their people with priority skill sets that are more challenging to automate.  

Implications for Leadership: 

• Embrace in-demand, human-centered abilities (e.g., emotional intelligence, motivation, critical thinking)  
• Experiment with technology and create guidelines for implementation 
• Promote a learning culture so all staff are provided with resources to build essential capabilities 

Trend #2 – Globalization & Cultural Considerations 

Many businesses are increasingly employing people in different regions, backgrounds and experiences, especially those companies that are taking advantage of hybrid and remote work models. Ever-growing access to the internet and eCommerce has also opened more brands to international customers. Additionally, local markets are seeing greater diversity as Gen Z  is the most racially and ethnically diverse age group to join the workforce to date. With clients and staff bringing various backgrounds comes the need to be more inclusive. When diversity is embraced, corporations are also significantly more likely to experience revenue increases, improved (and faster) decision-making as well as enhanced innovation.  

Implications for Leadership: 

• Increase self-awareness to gain a better understanding of one’s innate inclinations and preferences 
• Adopt a mindset of curiosity to welcome alternative perspectives, ideas and insights  
• Create a compelling vision that energizes and connects across regions 

Trend #3 – Generational Shifts & Expectations 

While exact figures differ, it’s estimated that millennials will comprise 40% of the global workforce by 2025 with Gen Z making up about 27%. Many Baby Boomers and Gen X team members will still be working, and the data demonstrates that younger generations will make up more than half of the workforce. It follows that their expectations will shape organizations. Millennial and Gen Z employees often value leadership qualities like empathy and authenticity over the commanding styles of the past. They also tend to seek out workplaces that value flexibility, care about well-being and empower them to have a voice even in more junior roles. 

Implications for Leadership: 

• Expand emotional intelligence and social awareness to better support all generations  
• Promote collaboration and ideation from all levels of the corporation 
• Create a meaningful vision and purpose-driven environment that values more than bottom-line outcomes 

Trend #4 – Follower Focus & Relational Priorities 

In more traditional workplaces, the focus was often on those in charge and the brilliant qualities they possessed. Now, as companies flatten hierarchies to more readily adapt to constant transformation, there is a renewed focus on the employees. After all, if no one is following, how can someone lead? With the enhanced prioritization of staff, leaders are being asked to adjust their mindsets to embrace a team approach, empower their people with autonomy and better support personnel, so they can collectively achieve the targeted outcomes sought by the organization. 

Implications for Leadership: 

• Build motivational skills to engage and inspire personnel 
• Advance coaching capacities to encourage ownership of work across all levels 
• Put employees first by prioritizing their holistic well-being, including mental, social and emotional wellness  

Leading in this continually changing context requires a commitment to resilient, curious and empathetic practices. In essence, it’s a people-first approach that will inspire long-term success.  

For those individuals who are eager to strengthen in-demand capabilities to prepare for the future of work (as well as the training professionals who are coaching them), be sure to download our guide: 10 Essential Skills for Effective Leaders. The resource will provide you with a look at some of the most important talents to cultivate as well as offer a few tips to begin putting those skills into practice.  

Learn how Emergenetics can advance leadership in your organization. Visit our website or fill out the form below to connect with one of our team members today! 

 

 Print This Post