Recently, I have been asked about the most effective leadership style in today’s world and the style I personally practice.
First and foremost, a leader should be someone whom people can trust, someone who actively listens and demonstrates empathy. It is essential for a leader to lead by example, possessing a clear vision and the ability to enable, defend and empower their teams.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our work dynamics and our perceptions of life, family, and commitments. It is crucial to adapt the leadership style to this new reality.
Traditional autocratic leadership is no longer effective, whether in military settings or office environments. Disengaged teams are a ticking time bomb for any organization.
On the other hand, I am also skeptical about the efficiency of democratic leadership. When every stakeholder has equal power, reaching a consensus can be challenging, which would result to unsolved issues, loss of productivity and competitiveness. Mistakes must be alowed and tolerated, they contribute to the famous “learning curve”. As Mance Rayder (The-King-Beyond-the-Wall in the “Game of Thrones” TV series) said, “The freedom to make my own mistakes was all I ever wanted.”
There are numerous other leadership styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages and a great leader is able to use a variety of them in different circumstances. However, in my current context, I would like to emphasize the importance of Transformational leadership.
Considering the tectonic shifts in the retail industry, an exceptional leader is someone who inspires and motivates their teams to surpass expectations and achieve remarkable results through changes and sacrifices for the good of organization. Transformational leaders invest time in the personal growth of their teams, providing support, offering a clear vision and direction, and challenging the status quo.
I would recommend “Transformational Leadership” by Bernard M. Bass and Ronald E. Riggio to those who wish to study this subject further.
Activate to view larger image,
