Leadership in times of change and unsecurity

I am always surprised by the criteria that companies and employees still set for leaders. Sometimes I feel like we are still living in the 1950s and not in the third decade of the 21st century. Statements such as "the leader must have the best technical know-how" or "must bring in the most net fees in sales" honestly strike me as outdated.

The idea that a leader must always be in front and lead from the front also shows that some decision-makers have not yet realized the enormous changes that have occurred in recent years in terms of generational change, technological development, changes in the job market, and especially in terms of diversity.

In 1964, my favorite singer Bob Dylan wrote: ?The times they are a changing“. The song is about social and political change, and the phrase is meant to suggest that things are in flux and that the world is changing.

I feel like when it comes to political and social developments in recent years, we can practically apply the message of this song directly to the current time: Many people feel a sense of uncertainty or upheaval, so we are in need for a call to action for people to adapt and work towards positive change.

That is, in my opinion, exactly the main task that a leader has to follow today. A leader nowadays must have the ability to constantly adapt to (unpredictable) changes and also make sure to develop this skill in their employees. This is no longer possible with the mindset: "I can do everything by myself because I am the strongest, the biggest, and the most powerful in the group...I am the leader of the pack!"

To manage change and unsecurity leaders need now qualities that include being able to let go, showing kindness, stepping back and actively listening to others, showing humility, admitting weaknesses and vulnerability, radiating integrity and dignity and giving themselves a breathing room.

Too often, organizations still operate under a misconstrued concept of Darwin's′"survival of the fittest," where the strongest, best, and most successful will survive. Or in the context of business culture: Employees who show the greatest desire for power, shout the loudest, or boast about their achievements the most have the greatest chances of achieving leadership positions.

This misunderstanding of Darwin's concept can lead to a toxic and unhealthy work environment, where individuals are more focused on their own advancement and success rather than working collaboratively for the good of the team or organization.

Actually, Darwin recognized the importance of change and by "the fittest" he did not mean the strongest or biggest individuals, but rather those individuals who were best suited to their environment and able to adapt to changes in their surroundings.

The key skill for a leader in today's society is to create diversity and focus the different personalities, abilities, and perspectives of people on constantly changing goals. The best way to approach change is through diversity!

Good leaders achieve this by winning the hearts and minds of their employees and sometimes just by stop second guessing and act as human beings rather than as business consultants. Many of the things they need to strengthen their team members just become intuitive when they treat them as human beings and not just as a means to an end.

This also means understanding that leaders do not necessarily have to be at the front of the pack. Modern leaders can also let others take the lead and motivate people for common goals from the middle or find new leaders there. Sometimes such leaders are even quiet and unassuming, but they leave a mark on other people's performances or even lives.

This also means understanding that leaders do not necessarily have to be at the front of the pack. Modern leaders can also let others take the lead and motivate people for common goals from the middle or find new leaders there. Sometimes such leaders are even quiet and unassuming, but they leave a mark on other people's performances or even lives.

The ability to adapt and lead in a flexible and diverse way, rather than trying to be the strongest or most powerful, is a key characteristic of effective leadership in today's rapidly changing world and conveys security in times of uncertainty.