Do you feel like your job has become harder these last few years?
Especially if you're in leadership, even if you're leading projects or internal initiatives and not people, I bet this is true. There are many reasons it feels this way given the weight of the world. For people leaders, you're no longer just in charge of productivity, project performance, or your business unit's P&L.
You now have direct influence on your employees' livelihood and responsibility for not only their performance but their attitude too. It's a tough feat and drastic change from the old paradigm. Your role as a leader now means being the example, the calm in the storm, the voice of reason, the visionary, the motivator and mentor.
Leaders help people shine where it's natural and support their growth where it's not. They're highly focused, present and relatable, and do not focus on things that don't serve them or their people. So, what's shifting in leadership in this NEW ERA, as I call it?
First, and this is not a news flash, is the generational shift in the workforce. Five generations in the workforce is a challenge for some and an opportunity for others. It's time to adapt and learn from everyone without a chip on your shoulder about what you endured.
Second, and the bigger area to focus IMO, is the deconstruction of top down, authoritative leadership to create more self-reliant, unified leadership. Think of this as the triangle becoming circular. There is a global reset and realignment taking place which we've been in the formation and transition phases of for some time. Displays of a false sense of power through deceit and control or posturing to prove stature is a thing of the past.
People leave bad leaders, always have and always will. If you can't lead yourself well, it shows, and people don't admire and respect those who can barely take care of themselves. What's also shifting before your eyes, is that people are more apt to notice where others are not present, not fully listening, and not being authentic. In other terms, their "fakes and flakes" radar has developed. People are also looking for appreciation more than ever.
In business this takes shape in compensation, yes, however just that won't cut it anymore. You have to start to talk to people specifically about their unique contributions and what makes them special. How is it that they serve your clients and customers in ways that are above and beyond, and that only they do? Find small ways to rope it into monthly discussions and feedback sessions.
And no, this isn't about coddling. You still need to give constructive feedback too, because people also value knowing where and how they CAN improve. They do know they're not perfect regardless of your perception. No matter how big their mistakes and how much a person needs to improve in their performance, they will give more of their energy, time and attention where they feel appreciated.
As the wheels of time continue to turn, people are shedding layers of negativity and outdated systems and structures are crumbling. Leadership as it once was is a MAJOR area of restructuring. Those who embrace it and learn to realign will move through this shift gracefully. Many others grasping for the old ways may experience (if they're not already) a heaviness in their soul which will be reflected in their physical energy becoming more dense. Being exhausted, detached and fearful blocks connectivity between your right and left brain, and between your mind and your soul. This is what being stuck feels like.
As a human your brain has evolved over millennia to learn quickly from bad experiences and slowly from good ones, but you can change this. This is going to be a differentiator that sets you apart in this new era. It's no longer a paradigm of survival of the fittest, it's about the thriving of those with a clear mind, open heart, content and well treated body, and authentic spirit. Let this be your goal.
Having a brain wired to take in the bad and ignore the good makes you worried, fearful, and stressed, instead of confident, secure, and happy. But each day is filled with opportunities to build inner strengths and awareness of the stories and lies your brain creates.
Contentment, courage, and a powerful sense of resilience must be cultivated as the new normal. From this place you can fully and authentically lead without fear. You will set the baseline for the energy you give and accept. Your life will start to change the more you learn to define the frequency you're in rather than absorb that which surrounds you.
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