Recently in our blog, we’ve talked a lot about developing leaders for the next decade, but what about cultivating those traits in a more experienced workforce? Today, we turn our attention to the key leadership skills that are essential for success in our current professional climate, including understanding tomorrow’s workplace, becoming an effective leader, and delivering innovative approaches to facilitate progress in a post-pandemic world.
Understanding Tomorrow’s Workplace
The workplace has transformed in the wake of the global pandemic. A shift to telecommuting and an influx of Gen Z employees has changed the way we lead and look at employee engagement, with an increased focus on health, technology, and DEIAB (diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging).
Progress often requires an update in leadership skills and forces us to redesign our approach to management. A recent Forbes article discusses the need for whole-person leadership, open communication, transparency, and continuous learning, as well as the recognition that “prioritizing diversity is critical for a company to be successful.”
Becoming An Effective Leader
This past September, Indeed focused on the important topic of career development. In an informative article written by the Indeed editorial team, they discussed the ten traits of highly effective leaders. These qualities are crucial for managers in nearly every sector and occupation, including both large and small businesses:
- Accountability: The best leaders take responsibility for mistakes, praise a job well done, and always provide constructive criticism.
- Adaptability: Overcoming challenges requires a flexible approach to problem solving.
- Confidence: Confident leaders help to build trust and increase productivity.
- Creativity: Embracing new ideas and thinking outside the box are the hallmarks of innovation.
- Empathy: Considering the perspectives of your employees, including their unique challenges and goals, shows true leadership.
- Focus: Staying on task allows you to better manage time and resources.
- Positivity: Positivity motivates others to exceed expectations and do their best work.
- Risk-Taking: Knowing when to embrace difficulties and when to play it safe is critical.
- Stability: Establishing routines and being reliable creates a more secure work environment.
- Team-Building: Encouraging collaboration helps to promote inclusion and bonding.
Delivering Innovative Approaches
Becoming a more effective leader requires learning how to improve core leadership skills to meet the needs of the current and incoming workforce. The Wall Street Journal notes that future managers should spend “less time issuing directives and more time collaborating.” Our team at Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group is in full agreement. We have spent nearly two decades building companies focused on delivering innovative approaches to leadership and organizational development. In each of our corporate, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic engagements, we help executive leaders consider their leadership styles, design professional development opportunities for their teams, and successfully manage large-scale growth. For more information on what we do and how we can work together, contact us today.
Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC is a certified National Supplier Development Council Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Administration (SBA) Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Women’s Business Enterprise Network Council (WBENC) woman-owned company. The company comprises a suite of brands, including TDB Group Strategic Advisory, a management consulting firm, as well as Looking Forward Lab, which offers a full-service learning engagement model focused on Gen Z workplace development and support for their managers.
