Business as usual is no longer enough to touch heady heights for today’s business leaders
Words by Karan Karayi
The corporate landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and with it, the very essence of leadership is evolving. Gone are the days of the corner office and the command-and-control style of management.
The changing face of leadership
In this new era, the traditional notions of what it means to be a leader are being challenged and redefined. In this age powered by an infusion of myriad technologies, the leaders who will thrive are those who can seamlessly blend technological prowess with human-centric skills, fostering a sense of belonging and driving innovation within their organizations.
The workforce of the future demands a fresh approach, one that prioritizes inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and a global mindset. In its place, a more flexible, empathetic, and technology-driven model of leadership is taking root, and at the forefront of this transformation are trailblazing women who are redefining the corridors of power.
Building a model of inclusive growth
What does inclusivity encompass? Is it simply the sense of being treated in a manner that is far, or is it a deeper-rooted sense of value and belonging? If anything, this writer would posit that motley factors are at play, including an organization’s mission, policies, and practices, as well as co-worker behaviours.
But even in this potent corporate cocktail, leaders are a key ingredient. The research put forth by the Harvard Business review is clear: what leaders say and do makes up to a 70% difference in whether an individual feels included within an organization. This is a critical factor, as the more people feel valued and respected, the more they are willing to speak up, collaborate, and go the extra mile. Inclusive leadership, then, is emerging as a unique and essential capability, helping organizations adapt to diverse customers, markets, ideas, and talent.
Given this formula, inclusive leadership is emerging as a unique and critical capability helping organizations adapt to diverse customers, markets, ideas and talent.
Women leaders and their role in inclusion
The numbers bear out the impact of strong, capable women leadership. A study conducted by Deloitte and The Female Quotient investigates the role of leadership in fostering inclusion and reevaluates the concept of leadership in today’s world. Notably, 72% of respondents indicate that the definition of “leader” needs to be updated to reflect current realities.
When asked about the most important qualities of an effective leader, respondents highlighted a balance of traits. Communicativeness topped the list at 71%, followed by a strong work ethic at 68%. Flexibility and confidence were equally valued at 58%, while patience was cited by 53% of participants. This blend of characteristics suggests that modern leadership requires a multifaceted approach.
Beyond these core qualities, respondents emphasized several key behaviours that leaders should exhibit. Giving credit where it’s due was deemed crucial by 90% of participants, closely followed by attentive listening at 89%. Accountability was also highly valued, with 88% of respondents identifying it as important. Additionally, 78% believed that leaders should initiate projects with a clear purpose. While integrating all these behaviours can be challenging, respondents clearly view this comprehensive approach as vital for organizational success in today’s complex business environment.
A new leadership mindset for a new-age workforce
There might be a bit of a rollback of some of the change we have seen in traditional workplace dynamics, with the remote worker increasingly becoming an endangered species. But what is beyond doubt is that the changes we have seen have caused leaders to pause for thought and rethink their approach. Striking a balance between the demands of technology while still deploying a distinctly human approach is challenging enough. To this milieu, sprinkle in a dash of AI, automation, and what-have-you, and leaders are juggling more success factors than they can care to count.
If anything, future leaders must juggle empathy and efficiency like a circus act, with one hand on the human heart and the other on shiny tech. These ringmasters of tomorrow need to be mind-readers for their motley crew while still being focused on achieving the bigger picture.
Think of them less as denizens of the corner office, and more acrobats in a suit. And forget about borders – these bosses will be global citizens, straddling cultures with a nuanced understanding of all things human and machine. All of this while possessing the emotional intelligence needed to motivate a diverse workforce with a zillion aspirations. Sticking the landing calls for a global mindset that ties together all of these disparate tapestries in a cohesive whole.
Women for the Big ‘W’
The corporate landscape is seeing this new cadre of leaders emerging, with women at the forefront. Their distinct viewpoints and strategies are moulding the future of business. Traits such as empathy, collaboration, and inclusive decision-making are proving invaluable in today’s people-focused leadership environment. To that, they ally clear communication, a problem-solving mentality, and an ability to think critically about the most pervasive challenges of the day.
Tradition corporate structures and dynamics are melting away as leaders, both male and female are creating workplaces that encourage innovation, emphasize work-life balance, and promote inclusivity for all employees, regardless of their background.
These leaders embrace a global perspective, understanding how diversity and inclusion fuel business growth. They harness technology to overcome geographical limitations, foster international partnerships, and build versatile teams capable of navigating modern business complexities.
The last word
The future of leadership is not about who sits in the corner office, but how they lead. It’s about fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability – a culture that empowers everyone to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the collective success of the organization. As the workplace continues to evolve, the leaders who embrace this new paradigm will be the ones who shape the future of the corporate world by being agile, adaptable, and centered on the needs of their most valuable asset – their people.
