Organizational leadership frames everything you do at your company and forms the foundation for whether your company thrives or flounders. Traditionally, an organization’s leadership has focused on a top-down approach with productivity and compliance at the forefront.
With the constant evolution of technology, an unprecedented focus on ethics and values in the workforce, and the increasing diversity and globalization of employees, successful companies must now embrace a new model of leadership. Keep reading to discover what that is.
The Digital Transformation
With emerging technology constantly evolving, businesses must adapt to fully harness the power of new technology. In particular, constant developments in artificial intelligence mean supervisors have more time to lead because they can automate mundane and repetitive tasks that previously took more of their time.
In addition to freeing up time for an organization leader, advances in AI mean leaders with a strong understanding of technology can use advanced analytics and worker management systems to increase long-term strategic management, goal setting, and workforce communication like never before. Many of these products are available on a single platform.
The increasing power of technology has shifted technological savvy from an attractive quality in leadership to absolutely necessary. Anyone in a leadership role must anticipate digital trends and equip their workers to use them, lest the company fall behind its competitors.
Evolving Workforce Dynamics
With Millennials and Gen Z workers comprising the largest workforce demographic, every level of the organization must incorporate the younger generation’s values if they want loyal and productive employees. These workers no longer settle for the traditional office setup, and they increasingly leave companies that don’t offer remote or hybrid options.
The benefit of remote and hybrid technology allows the diversification and globalization of a company’s workforce. By harnessing this technology, leaders can attract workers from all over the world, which not only protects their bottom line but opens up new insights and access into markets and demographics not previously available.
The final major shift in workforce dynamics involves the increased focus on purpose-driven work and work-life balance. By establishing leadership roles, such as Vice President of Company Culture or Director of Community Outreach, insightful leaders can help cultivate loyal and productive employees.
Emphasis on Emotional Intelligence
One of the greatest modern shifts in organizational leadership is the movement away from focusing on skills that increase productivity and compliance in favor of an evidence-backed approach using emotionally intelligent leaders. Millennials and Gen Z workers highly value an emotionally intelligent organizational leader.
Case studies consistently show that companies that promote leaders with high emotional intelligence thrive more than businesses that don’t. In one case study from FedEx Express, leaders who underwent training in emotional intelligence had significant increases in several key indicators, including quality of life, decision-making, and influence.
Increased Focus on Sustainability and Social Responsibility
With Millennials and Gen Z workers holding increased power to affect business decisions, their focus on purpose-driven work means more companies now take sustainability and social responsibility seriously. Stakeholders who work to reduce a company’s environmental impact and practice a more sustainable business model not only create a loyal and dedicated workforce but a more loyal consumer base as well.
Conscientious leaders play an essential role in driving sustainable practices and long-term visions. By prioritizing strategic goals that utilize the values-driven trends in both the workforce and customers, they help guide their company to a competitive advantage over other businesses that rely on more traditional approaches to organizational structure and practice.
No company highlights the success of sustainability efforts better than Alphabet, Google’s parent company. They became the first carbon-neutral company in 2007, and their efforts have garnered unprecedented press, loyalty, and growth.Â
The Importance of Adaptability and Continuous Learning
The pace of change in the modern business landscape means a leader’s adaptability and continuous learning are more important than ever before. Whether it’s staying abreast of technological innovations, changes in customer values, or understanding the culture of emerging global markets, a leader who cannot continue learning causes stagnation in their company.
In addition to continual self-growth, a leader can set their company up for success through creating an overall culture of continual learning and innovation. Whether paying for workers to go back to school or incentivizing innovations to the organization structure, a company that learns together thrives together.
A leader can encourage team growth using the following strategies:
- Establish a clear onboarding process that emphasizes the company’s dedication to personal and organizational growth.
- Share responsibilities and establish a mentorship program for new hires.
- Publicly praise and reward individual and group growth and achievement.
- Implement a system of constructive and encouraging feedback.
- Attend or sponsor company-wide educational events.
Leading With Inclusivity and Diversity
Inclusivity and diversity are more than just a value-driven approach; they provide a proven way to obtain varied perspectives, increasing a company’s access to vital skill sets, insights, and problem-solving. The data consistently show that diverse teams thrive through:
- Attracting better talent
- Increasing innovation and creativity
- Improving focus on customer orientation
- Enabling better decision-making
- Building a positive company culture
Leaders can foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity by focusing on these values from the first moment they onboard a new employee (and even within their job posts and hiring materials) and infusing them into the company culture through sponsored events and continued training.
One company at the forefront of diversity and inclusion is General Motors. Since instituting company-wide DEI initiatives, they’ve received significant free marketing from journalists and business professionals, helping them to compete for top talent.
Ethical Leadership and Trust
Ethical leadership and the ability of workers to trust their leaders have never been more important. Establishing a clear and company-wide code of ethics helps workers trust their leaders while empowering them to report issues that could eventually lead to the company’s financial ruin.
A clear code also builds trust with stakeholders, especially when leaders exemplify what ethical business looks like. When people can operate without concern, and customers can purchase products and services without guilt, productivity and profits rise. One clear example of this is the company Patagonia, whose commitment to fair labor practices and sustainability has led to significant financial performance and brand loyalty.
Reimagining Hierarchies: Flatter Organizational Structures
Modern workers desire an organizational structure that looks less like a pyramid and more like a shallow dome. Companies that employ more collaborative work models and team-based structures, such as incentivizing worker innovation and group problem-solving, see better employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity.
A flatter organizational structure means faster communication, less confusion, and fewer costs to the company. However, the structure provides fewer benefits as the company grows and can even hinder the performance of larger companies. Leaders who want to incorporate this structure into their organization should look at Netflix as a company that successfully flattened its organizational structure.
Conclusion
Constantly evolving technology, a values-driven workforce, and a focus on ethical and emotionally intelligent leaders all shape today’s organizational leadership practices. The business landscape continues to change faster than ever before, and every level of the organization’s leadership must exemplify forward-thinking, adaptive, and holistic leadership methods.
If you want to empower your leaders to thrive in the modern business landscape, head over to our degree guide and find out what an advanced degree can do for a career.Â