11 Modern Leadership practices from successful leaders

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As an executive coach who has worked with thousands of leaders, I’ve seen firsthand the common threads that run through successful leadership practices.

Sharing 11 modern leadership insights, along with some book recommendations and quotes, that can help you navigate the complexities of your role and lead with impact. I have posed a question at the end of each insight for you to reflect on your own practice.??

1. Lead with Empathy

Empathy is more critical now than ever. Understand your team’s needs, listen actively, and show compassion. "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge," Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last.

An empathetic leader builds trust and fosters a loyal and motivated team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many leaders who showed empathy by accommodating flexible work arrangements saw increased employee loyalty and productivity.

How are you demonstrating empathy in your leadership role?

2. Embrace digital transformation

In the digital age, understanding and leveraging technology is crucial. Staying abreast of technological advancements and integrating them into your business strategies is paramount. As Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee discuss in The Second Machine Age , digital literacy is no longer optional; it's essential.

What new technology can you explore to enhance your team's productivity?

3. Foster a culture of innovation

Encourage a culture where creativity and innovation are valued. "Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible," said Frank Zappa. Create safe spaces for experimentation and failure, and reward innovative thinking. 谷歌 's, "20% time" policy for personal projects is a great example of fostering an innovative mindset.

How can you create more opportunities for innovation within your team?

4. Promote diversity and inclusion

A diverse and inclusive workplace drives better decision-making and innovation. Actively seeking diverse perspectives and promoting equity creates an environment where everyone feels they belong.

In The Diversity Bonus, Scott Page demonstrates how diverse teams outperform homogenous ones.

微软 's diversity training programs and goals exemplify this practice.

What steps can you take to improve diversity and inclusion in your organisation?

5. Communicate transparently

In an age of information overload, clear and transparent communication is vital. Keep your team informed about company goals, changes, and challenges.

George Bernard Shaw noted, "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." Transparency builds trust and alignment.

Buffer , is known for its radical transparency, sharing everything from salaries to revenue numbers, which has helped build trust internally and externally.

How can you improve transparency in your communication with your team?

6. Be agile and adaptable

The business environment is constantly evolving. Agile leaders who can pivot quickly and adapt to change will thrive. "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change," a quote often attributed to Charles Darwin, highlights this necessity.

Embrace flexibility and be ready to adjust your strategies as needed. Netflix 's transition from DVD rental service to a leading streaming platform is a prime example of agility.

What changes can you make to be more agile in your leadership approach?

7. Invest in continuous learning

Lifelong learning is a must for today's leaders. Encourage your team to pursue professional development and invest in your own growth.

One of my favourite quotes is from Alvin Toffler, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,"

Stay curious and open to new ideas. 德勤 's continuous learning programmes and tuition reimbursement exemplify this commitment.

What new skills or knowledge areas should you focus on next?

8. Prioritise mental health and well-being

The pandemic has emphasised the importance of mental health. Promote the well-being of your team by encouraging a healthy work-life balance, offering mental health resources, and creating an environment where colleagues feel supported and valued.

Arianna Huffington's The Sleep Revolution, highlights how well-being is integral to productivity and success

How can you better support your team’s mental health and well-being??

9. Leverage data for decision-making

Data-driven decision-making is a key differentiator. Utilise analytics to gain insights, track performance, and make informed decisions.

In Competing on Analytics , Thomas H. Davenport and Jeanne G. Harris highlight the importance of being data-savvy to stay ahead of the curve.

亚马逊 's use of big data to optimise logistics and improve customer experience exemplifies the power of data-driven strategies.

How can you better use data to drive your team’s success??

10. Empower Your Team

Empowerment fosters ownership and accountability. Delegate effectively, trust your team to make decisions, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it," Theodore Roosevelt.

Empowered teams are more productive and engaged. Zappos Family of Companies empower their customer service representatives to go above and beyond to satisfy customers without needing managerial approval.

What can you do to empower your team more effectively??

11. Cultivate Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on long term goals. Cultivate resilience in yourself and your team by maintaining a positive outlook, managing stress, and learning from failures.

Techniques like mindfulness practices, resilience training programs, and regular team-building activities focused on stress management can be highly effective. Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant discuss in Option B , how resilience is critical to overcoming adversity.

How can you build more resilience into your leadership style?

Leadership is a journey of continuous improvement and adaptation. Stay committed to your growth, and you’ll inspire others to do the same.

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Statistic

92% of employees and 98% of HR professionals say that an empathetic employer drives retention. Nearly 80% of employees are willing to work longer hours, and 60% would accept a pay cut for an empathetic employer.

Catch up on my LinkedIn posts

What has your pet taught you? In this post, I shared what my dogs have taught me about leadership and team dynamics

What got you here, won't get you there! Do you recognise these 20 behaviours in your self or your team?

Ready to elevate your leadership, build high performing teams, shape culture, advance your career? Let's start something. Connect with me at: [email protected] .

Until next time

V

Vera Woodhead

Executive Leadership Coaching