It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the world, making companies review their ways of conducting business. Thus, organizations worldwide embraced and incorporated entirely new digital working methods. And that transitioned corporations into a hybrid working age. But adapting to digitalization is already proving not enough. People look for new jobs like never before. Also, more than 70% of them suffer from burnout. Another extremely alarming fact is that many are frustrated because their leaders fail to see their struggles.
Therefore, the post-Covid era is highly demanding for management. And this will only become more challenging as time passes. In other words, the people in charge will have to determine a way to shift towards new leadership styles and approaches.
So what are the pandemic legacies in terms of leadership skills and tactical decisions? What abilities should one have to establish a more human approach to navigating the post-COVID world?
In a previous article, we discussed the importance of empathy. We explained how empathic leadership is the right approach in these struggling times.
Yes, studies show that the number of employees wanting an emphatic leader has more than doubled in the last two years. However, compassion is not the only trait the head of an organization or team should possess. No. Such a person should also have the ability to make quick decisions and improvise when the situation demands it. Furthermore, they have to learn to do so not only for the benefit of the company but, more importantly, for the benefit of their team. In other words, the leaders of today and tomorrow have to adapt and be flexible. They have to learn to think fast and adjust to any kind of situation, in essence, sense and respond.
Even at the beginning of the pandemic, Forbes signaled the need for changes within companies. They talked about the necessity of cultivating a sense of inclusion. Moreover, the publication explained the importance of not leaving anyone behind, highlighting it as an essential aspect to consider after the global crisis. Of course, in theory, everything sounds very easy - leaders should be radically inclusive and devote more time in this direction. Unfortunately, this aspect is easier said than done. People feel left behind for various reasons. Thus, for the leaders to learn what drives each of their team members one way or another is a really challenging task.
So let us turn our attention to you, the leader of your organization. How are you coping with the new business era? Have you found the best approach to offer your employees the work environment they need to be happy at work? Have you managed to do so and still run a successful business?
Because, in our opinion, there is only one way to do all of the above and keep a high spirit within your teams - you have to talk with your employees. You have to ask each of them about their wants and needs. You have to take the time and understand what makes them happy and what the reasons are for their potential frustrations. More importantly, you have to reset your leadership principles. Simply put, you have to be the leader your organization needs you to be, especially in these trying times.
