It’s 2017, the business world has seen a clear shift in what defines good leaders. No longer is being a leader about being alone on the top and calling the shots. It’s now a lot more than that – and those who stick to the old style of leadership are quickly finding themselves irrelevant.
If you don’t adapt to the business world’s new demands of its leaders, you might find yourself irrelevant in a few short years. Better wise up quick! Here are the 3 hidden traits of today’s new leaders:
Trait #1: New Leaders Don’t Withhold Information – They Share It.
In the old corporate structure, information was withheld according to pay grade: The leaders held all the information, while the workers knew less and less the lower they were on the corporate ladder. This was precisely the reason why so many great employees leave good companies – they feel they’re not trusted or valued enough, and that they’re being treated as cogs in a wheel.
On the other hand, new leadership is open and collaborative. Instead of hoarding information, today’s new leaders use it to inspire their teams to achieve results. What’s more, new leadership is transparent – it involves every team member in planning, execution, analysis, and feedback.
Trait #2: New Leaders Spark and Inspire Teamwork.
As the wise old saying goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together.” Few great things are achieved without the help of a team.
New leadership is all about sparking successful teams and successful endeavors. New leaders use their power to bring teams together with a common goal and direction. But it’s not just about knowing the team – new leaders are also all about knowing the team members.
In a sense, being a good leader today is like being a master chef. It’s not enough to know the recipe – it’s also about knowing each individual ingredient and its characteristics. You need to get down on the front lines, get to know each member on your team, and let them feel you’ve got their back no matter what.
Trait #3: New Leaders Look at Performance, Not Talents.
In the past, corporations grouped team members together based on their degrees and/or talents. Now, teams are formed according to performance and results because team members have different strengths and synergies to be explored. Put simply: New leaders form teams that get results, and continually innovate to make that team better and more effective.
As a leader, you’re expected to clearly define each member’s roles and responsibilities. You’re expected to set solid rules and clear goals. And of course, you’re expected to take the necessary action to spur your team(s) to hit their targets.
Right now, ask yourself: Can your leadership skills meet those new expectations? If not, then you’ll have some work to do. Start with your team: They won’t be shy to tell you what to do.
Previously published on Kevin J. Donaldson
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Photo: Getty Images
