Future proof your leadership self

Today we’re going to take a closer look at the leadership role, how you can ensure longevity in that space, and share 3 tips to help you be the best leader you can be now and make the role of ‘leader’ indispensable for the future.

1.  Be you - all you

Nothing is static.

Things have been changing since your organisation began and chances are things will keep changing long after you’ve moved on. We all get that; however, it seems that change is coming more quickly than ever and in more complex ways. It’s both enlivening and terrifying.

In the old days, leaders would put on a brave face and pretend they knew what was happening, so they didn’t worry their teams. Stoic and steadfast was how it was done. Think….Winston Churchill. 

Today, people are different – perhaps more sophisticated or educated, but also more emotionally available and more committed to bringing more of their whole self to the workplace. They have a pretty good idea of what’s happening around them.

Workplaces are different, too. No longer are they places you stay for your entire career. If you don’t like what’s happening, you move on. They know that and you know that. It’s a mutually accepted fact of working life these days.

With that transformation in culture and expectation, the most important thing a leader can do is to be real and act from a place of honesty and integrity. Be open and transparent. Let your team know what you know and how you feel; be professional, sure, but also be YOU. They need to be sure of your authenticity and trust in your honesty. Be human. Communicate. Interact. Be a true team, not a boss with subordinates. That’s what expected of leaders now and into the future.

2.  Remain relevant

It’s simple. You can’t be future-proof if you’ve lost your relevance to those you are trying to lead.

It’s often said today’s teams are being over-managed and under-led. The future-proof leader is the one who’s focusing on strategy, long term sustainability, not just execution. You can’t see the big picture when you’re micro-managing, getting out the whip over impermanent things that probably don't actually matter long term, and ignoring the bigger picture. 

That’s what makes you gradually lose your relevance, both as a leader and as a team.

To stay continually relevant, you need to be aware of what’s happening in the marketplace and in society, leaning into not just trends but cycles of behaviour and what’s new, staying fresh and invigorated. Leaders who can spot opportunities for the organisation to grow, adapt or secure their market sector are the leaders who will hold their positions in the future.

Of course, you know what happens when an opportunity presents itself. There’s an exciting burst of energy throughout the whole organisation as it moves to take the advantage. That’s a powerful way to create and lead an engaged team.

3.  Connections are everything

It’s all about who you know, as the saying goes.

Connections are going to become more and more important as the world globalises at a faster and faster rate. Whether it’s being able to quickly tap into essential information, find responsive assistance or locate someone with the skills your team lacks, it will all come down to a connection. Networks are becoming increasingly important and if your is top notch, you will be highly in demand. 

As for skill development, organised training courses may not be the answer any more. Death by PowerPoint and forced learning is undergoing a serious shake up. There’s a lot of task-related education available online, but real growth springs from self-knowledge, first hand personal empowerment. Proactive leaders turn to their networks to find coaches and mentors who can provide the help they need. It’s timely, personalised and honest.

With workplaces becoming a more ‘human’ environment, leaders need to connect and build solid relationships with their teams. Leaders who do that are the leaders who inspire loyalty, support and high-engagement.

Follow these three tips and you’ll be a leader, not a manager. That’s where the future-proofing lies.