With the pandemic crisis, our work environment has suffered many shocks, leading to a shift in the practice of management and leadership. There are demands for the establishment of a new normal, especially in the context of the Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, Act Your Wage and Conscious Quitting. These movements clearly indicate a need for compassion and meaning in work, posing new challenges for today’s managers.
Moreover, the arrival of Generation Z in the job market introduces new expectations and values. In this article, we explore these challenges and the qualities the leader of tomorrow should possess.
The consequences of the crisis
"Returning to normal" is an outdated concept in the post-pandemic world. Employees have reassessed their expectations and aspirations for work, leading to a variety of social movements. These movements all have a common factor: a need for compassion in the workplace. To meet these needs, the manager must be flexible, attentive and capable of adapting to new operational methods. They must find a balance between the professional demands and the personal needs of their employees.
The arrival of new generations
Generation Z, more connected than its predecessors, has a different vision of work than previous generations. They value solidarity, open-mindedness and are deeply concerned with social and environmental issues. Managers must therefore understand and respect these values to attract and retain these new talents.
The need for Inspirational Leadership
In this changing world, classic authoritarian leadership is less and less appreciated. Today’s modern leader must embody a unifying and inspiring vision, while taking into account the diversity of the needs and expectations of their employees. They must also motivate and guide a new generation towards a world of work where the search for purpose and investment go hand in hand.
What is the new stance of leadership?
New questions revolve around business management:
- How to embody a unifying vision at a time when many are showing disengagement?
- How to propel a team forward in an uncertain world?
- How to balance the needs of employees who invest more and more into their professional life?
- How to inspire a new generation to build a world of work where the pursuit of purpose and investment meet?
- How to integrate the emerging values of compassion and sincerity into a strategic leadership position?
- What stance can leadership adopt in order to react to these new managerial requirements?
Organisations need authentic leadership to rebuild trust, foster higher engagement, and meet the needs of their employees.
This requires rethinking the way we motivate teams and reviewing the managerial approach, which is certainly more people-focused and honest, based on benevolence, empathy, resilience and accountability.
Discover all our advice for modern, authentic and people-focused leadership in our ebook “Inspirational Leadership: Transform your organisation.”
