Leadership in the Spotlight
Aligning our values to current leaders
International and local elections are a hot topic right now. It’s highlighting how leadership approaches differ vastly, and how the decisions made by these leaders echo across industries and communities. As the world watches, one thing is clear: great leaders inspire change, support and motivate their people.
Choosing leaders often comes down to a question of personal and collective values. How will their future promises influence our lives? Is this in my best interest? Do they align with our emotional and professional values? This moment in history offers us the chance to reflect on what we value in our leaders and why.
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Differing generations
Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennial or Gen Z, people across generations are increasingly drawn to workplaces led by approachable and accessible leaders. Why? Because feeling valued and respected is essential to creating a positive work environment, and an approachable leader helps everyone feel like an equal member of the team.
Trust is another common thread and it’s particularly vital in times of change. Trust goes both ways; people need to feel that they can trust their leaders, just as leaders rely on their teams to show up with commitment.
This infographic on Generational Worker Profiles by McCrindle also shows that clear communication is a non-negotiable quality across all generations. Particularly emphasised by Gen X (64%) and Baby Boomers (71%), these generations are established in their careers and prioritise clarity. Especially in times of change, clear communication from leaders reduces misunderstandings, aligns goals and creates a sense of stability.
Gen Z place higher emphasis on empathy (57%) and emotional intelligence. This generation values leaders who understand and acknowledge the personal challenges of their team members. The desire for empathetic leadership aligns with their expectations for a workplace that is not only productive but also mentally supportive.
Leadership style
In one of our previous articles, How to Prepare for Leadership Before You Get There, we explored the importance of building leadership skills early on. With no one “right” way to approach leadership, it’s essential to bring your authentic self into the way you lead. Developing your personal style by incorporating your strengths and unique personality will help you build confidence when stepping into leadership roles.
One helpful lens through which we can enact leadership relates to Goleman’s six leadership styles. Each style will affect people differently and of course, each has pros and cons. For those of you not aware of the six styles, here’s a quick overview:
Commanding: You kick-start and demand action, taking charge in a crisis situations.
Visionary: You mobilise by providing clarity of direction and motivating. How you get there is up to the team.
Pacesetting: You lead by example.
Coaching: You help develop people’s skills with a heavy focus on long term goals.
Democratic: You reach consensus through participation and act as the facilitator.
Affiliative: You focus on the needs of people. In times of tension or conflict, you bring everyone back together.
However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all tactic. Each situation may call for a different approach. It’s essential to adapt your communication and leadership style based on the situation and the individual team members you’re working with. This adaptability, combined with authenticity, is key to fostering trust and creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued.
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Each style has its place, and successful leaders know how to draw from these approaches to navigate different circumstances. At Be Challenged, we believe that mentoring and leading by example is essential for fostering new leaders.
Our Leadership Stories program offers a hands-on experience where team members explore and deepen their understanding of what makes effective leadership, and most importantly, how it applies to their unique workplace context. Through this program, teams gain insights into how different leadership styles function, learning when and how to adapt their approach to align with both individual needs and organisational goals.
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Contrary to the saying, you can’t be all things to all people… As a leader, you need to be. Different tasks, meetings, or individual team members might require a shift in style, from pacesetting for a high-stakes deadline to an affiliative approach when building trust post-conflict. The real art of leadership lies in knowing how to blend these styles, creating an approach that speaks to each person in the room.
So, as we reflect on leaders in influential positions, do you think they embody all styles, or focus on one style?
Thanks for reading,
Oliver Sheer
Be Challenged | Managing Director