Authentic leaders know how to manage employees' hopes and fears in changing times!

Background

Rapid technological & sociological changes are affecting how we solve problems. Employees are finding it difficult to insulate themselves from the onslaught of information, which is affecting their ability to focus. Workplaces have become multi-generational (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z), making managing teams even more challenging.

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What can an authentic leader do?

Change has been the only constant since time immemorial. I will share three time-tested recipes and hope to whet your appetite.

1. Build consensus and set the tone

Authentic leaders are good at building consensus. 

Take people along if you want to go far!

This is all the more important today. There are too many variables and too many viewpoints. Decisions taken in isolation usually do not go well. It is a hard act for leaders, but persist! 

Also, share the decision-making process with teams, and describe how you navigated the conflict - be authentic!

A collaborative culture will emerge. You will see a reduction in serious conflicts and anxiety levels at work. Change initiatives will see increased success rates.

2. Communicate vision and the details

Overcommunicate!

Sharing organizational updates and key KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) regularly. This is in addition to sharing the organization's vision. Employees will be able to relate their contribution to the company.

Employees want to hear from the leader. This is just a reality of the modern workplace. They will celebrate if the quarter is good. They will understand why the company missed the mark.

Engage!

Employees will feel invested in the company's future. They will know what is truly important for the company. Expect an uptick in execution speed and increased morale at the workplace.

3. Recognize and respect specialism

Respect individual contributors!

Not everyone wants to join the C-suite or become a manager.

Yet, unwittingly, leaders and HR tend to focus on management and leadership. This is understandable. There is always a demand for good managers & developing internal talent is an idea worth pursuing.

Specialist training has become self-service through online learning platforms. While well-intentioned, this content lacks context and practicality. Further, the availability of high-quality content for non-technology skills remains an issue.

Identify your experts. Celebrate them, pay them well, make them stars!

As Richard Branson famously said - Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business. It’s as simple as that.