Leadership and future teams

Companies large and small have been trying to predict what the future of work will look like; how technological innovation, demographic shifts, an increasingly mobile workforce, and the gig economy will shape the work of tomorrow. That future is here. Leadership and future teams.

To be successful in this new world of work, leaders must understand how organizations are shifting–becoming flatter, more complex, more integrated, and more porous. These shifts require individuals and teams to work in fundamentally new ways, which in turn requires the cultivation of new mindsets and skills.

The following competencies are increasingly critical for leaders to develop to succeed in this new world.

Realism

Your team doesn’t expect you to be superhuman, so if you’re feeling the pressure and need a helping hand, don’t be afraid to admit it and if you make a mistake, own up! By showing the human side of yourself and allowing your staff to get to know you a bit better, your team will feel more relaxed and comfortable approaching you.

Flexibility

While you can’t predict the future, you can expect that you will face challenges and obstacles as you execute on your team’s strategy. The best thing you can do is be prepared for these unexpected challenges and not be caught off guard, ill-prepared to respond.

Strategic leaders have foresight and create a strategy that leaves room for flexibility and adaptation. Think through and discuss the scenarios that could unfold with your strategy.

Identifying potential roadblocks up front will help you and your entire team be prepared to act and continuously monitor signals that may indicate something has changed or isn’t working.

Your strategy will never be perfect, so your team will have to be nimble and ready to shift according to the conditions.

Don’t let establishing longer term team direction intimidate or get the best of you. Visit our website or look into our professional publications to learn more about how our methods can help your team be prepared for the often rough and tumble business battlefield.

Facilitate agile ways of working

In a world where technology and innovation continue to increase the pace of change, your team may find that a process perfected six months ago no longer works. They’ll need to adapt their tactics on the fly. The leaders who understand this will build teams who can embrace change, identify and communicate new goals, and find and collaborate with the people who have the resources needed to accomplish these new priorities. And to build these teams, future leaders will need to be just as agile.

Generation Z in workplace

2017 marked the first full year that Generation Z were settling into the workplace, with a new mindset on business and new expectations on their optimal work environment. Just as Millennials brought a new dynamic to the workplace when they entered the workforce, Gen Z is adding another layer of complexity to cross-generational communication. Gen Z is bringing new insights and perspectives into the workplace, so be aware they will also bring some challenges and new modes of thinking into the workplace.