The Future of Leadership – Cultivating Ownership with Empathy 

The very nature of leadership is undergoing a profound metamorphosis, necessitating leaders to rethink their course of action 

Words by Varadharaju Janardhanan

As we navigate through an era defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and evolving workforce expectations, the role of leadership is undergoing a profound transformation. When I think of the characteristics of a good leader, a quote from Simon Sinek comes to mind: 

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” 

Leadership is not about managing or supervising. It is more about creating and fostering an environment where every employee feels a deep sense of belonging and can thrive in both their professional and personal pursuits. 

But how can a leader do this? Perhaps, by doing some of the following: 

1. Creating a sense of belongingness among employees 
     

2. Providing autonomy to employees in functioning  
    

3. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning 
    

4. Creating an environment conducive to innovation 
    

5. Empowering the members of their teams to take decisions 
    

6. Enabling experiments and encouraging risk-taking 
     

7. Challenging the status quo  
    

8. Encouraging innovation, rewarding success and recognizing failures as learning opportunities 

Incidentally, all of these behaviors are also consistent with those depicted by successful entrepreneurs and depicted within highly successful start-ups. These factors are also well-established to promote a culture of innovation within organizations. When a leader showcases these behaviors externally themselves, they are called an entrepreneur. When they depict it within the frameworks of an already existing organization, they are called intrapreneurs.  
 
Intrapreneurship 
 
Intrapreneurship, or corporate entrepreneurship, is the practice of fostering entrepreneurial behaviour within an established organization. It encourages employees to act as “owners” within the company, and as suggested by a recent research from Harvard Business School, is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge, especially in industries that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements. Leaders have a critical role to play here – both in acting as owners themselves and encouraging ownership within employees.  

Here’s how: 

1. Leaders as Owners 
   An ownership oriented leader takes complete responsibility for the success and failure of the business. They think long-term, act with integrity, and are deeply invested in the well-being of the organization. But the spirit of ownership must extend beyond themselves.  
    

2. Encouraging Entrepreneurial Thinking 
   A common misconception is that autonomy or freedom to do things means encouragement. While that is important, what is also critical is creating an environment where risk-taking is celebrated, where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. In a world where change is the only constant, organizations that foster entrepreneurship at all levels will be better equipped to adapt and thrive. Leaders play a pivotal role in nurturing this mindset by providing the necessary resources, support, and guidance, while also stepping back to allow their teams the freedom to experiment and grow. 
    
   Empathy also plays a crucial role in managing change, which is inevitable in any entrepreneurial environment. Leaders who can empathetically guide their teams through transitions, offering support and reassurance, will find it easier to maintain morale and productivity during challenging times.
   
   Balancing Intrepreneurship with Empathy  
    
   While providing ownership and leading with empathy sounds attractive, there’s also a flipside where ownership without accountability may lead to chaos. This is another area where leadership plays a critical role, by doing the following: 

1. Clear goal-setting: Leaders must provide clear, realistic and measurable goals for their teams, while having enough room for innovation. A great way of doing this is communicating leadership goals across the organization, and then giving employees the freedom to craft their own goals with the larger objective of meeting organizational goals.  
    

2. Open communication: Entrepreneurship can often become lonely, and employees may dig themselves into a rabbit hole. At this time, leaders must listen proactively, be able to anticipate challenges, and provide an environment where employees can come up to them and share their ideas and concerns. 
    

3. Maintain Accountability: Empathetic leadership does not mean lowering standards. Leaders must hold their teams accountable while also demonstrating care and support. This balance can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, as employees feel their well-being is prioritized without sacrificing the organization’s goals . 
    
   As leaders navigate the complexities of modern organizations, the ability to cultivate ownership and lead with empathy becomes a powerful differentiator. By embracing both, and becoming an intrepreneur, a leader can inspire innovation, drive accountability, and build a culture where everyone thrives together. 
    
   Varadharaju Janardhanan is the Vice President of Human Resources at Flipkart