Naomi White and I have such great conversations about the leadership changes we are noticing right now, so much so that we have written an article about it.
So we know the pace of change is accelerating and globalisation, tech advancements, and shifting societal expectations are creating an uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. For all of us as leaders, this means that 'business as usual' is no longer an option. To not just survive but thrive with energy in this environment, it's crucial we’re aware of the key forces shaping the future and we adapt our leadership accordingly.
There’s a lot written about the global trends affecting business right now. We’ve flagged a few that we think are particularly important and relevant right now.
1. The Rise of the Global Citizen
We live in an increasingly interconnected world where information flows freely and is readily accessible. We’ve seen many examples in the last 6 months of global events that are impacting people on the ground in Australia. Global citizenship has given rise to a new generation of employees who identify as global citizens with a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to impact the world positively.
So what? Understanding these values and creating a work environment that aligns with them has never been more important. Companies that engage in dialogue with their people, sharing information transparently, and having a clear and compelling shared purpose will be ahead of the pack.
2. The Changing Nature of Work
Technology is rapidly transforming how we work, with automation, artificial intelligence, and remote work becoming the norm. This changing nature of work requires us to rethink how we organise our teams.
So What? Recognising that the jobs of the future will be different to those that exist today, we need to be focussing on strategic workforce planning now in order to begin building those capabilities today that will be crucial to our long term strategy. Additionally, focussing on altering the ways of working to support better collaboration and conversations, and embrace flexible work arrangements that suit both the individual, the team, and the organisation.
3. The Multi-Generational Workforce
We know that this is an incredibly unique period in that for the first time in history, many businesses have five generations working side-by-side. Each generation brings its own set of values, expectations, ways of working, ways of viewing the world, and communication styles.
So What? To lead in the future, we need to be adept at harvesting the rich benefits of this melting pot of difference. Fostering intergenerational collaboration, and creating an inclusive, psychologically safe workplace where everyone feels valued and connected regardless of age and background will unlock the diversity benefits. With an ageing population and the rising cost of living, mature workers will be a ready source of capability if the environment supports more flexible working.
4. The Demand for Authentic Leadership
In this era of transparency and social media, authenticity is a differentiator. Employees, customers and shareholders are looking for genuine, transparent, and ethical leaders. And yet, the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024* tells us that “trust in companies from global powers is in decline, worry over societal threats and establishment leaders misleading us is growing, while peers are as trusted as scientists for information on new innovations.” It is said that trust arrives on foot and leaves in a Ferrari. Trust is hard won right now but those leaders who can foster it will succeed in the long run.
So What? Companies successful at building trust with their workforce will have an easier ride in delivering change. Communicating openly and honestly, demonstrating empathy, and acting with integrity, as well as prioritising dignity and humanity in the way we lead will stop trust erosion in its tracks.
5. The Prioritisation of Well-being
Employees' mental and physical health is finally being recognised as a critical to organisational success. We as leaders must put focus on creating workplace cultures that support well-being, promote work-life balance, and address issues like burnout and stress.
So what? Rather than a one size fits all approach to wellness with the generic (but necessary) offerings of nutrition, rest, sleep, exercise and meditation, recognising that people are complex and have different styles and needs will deliver better organisational results. The increasing complexity of our world, coupled with the rapid acceleration of tech driven efficiency and speed, is necessitating a rethink in the way we design work and teams, and set expectations to provide permission for people to disconnect and recharge.
What to do next
We’ve thought deeply about what is needed right now to set leaders up for a thriving 2025, future proofing businesses against the rising complexity that we operate in. We’ve created a leadership workshop that combines global workforce and people trend data with cutting-edge leadership best practices, neuroscience, psychology, and heart-centred approaches to create a transformative learning experience that will inspire and empower you to lead for the future.
"Leading from the Future" is a leadership workshop designed for those responsible for driving business and workforce success. Choose to attend one or both days:
Day One: Gain actionable tools and fresh perspectives to elevate your leadership immediately.
Days Two (Optional - one month later): Experience a more profound, more integrated learning journey for a truly transformative impact on your leadership effectiveness.
With our workshop, you can choose the participation that suits your schedule, but rest assured, the results will be powerful and long-lasting.
Learn more and register today! https://www.nikkibrown.co/leadership-workshop
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