NEW WINE, OLD WINE SKINS?

I'd like to share something that has challenged my mindset on organisational management, especially those firms that are young and feel that bureaucracy and formalised structures are the building blocks of a successful organisation and also the highly bureaucratic ones that see change but refuse to change.

In today's fast-paced world, there is a breed of leadership has emerged, inspiring a wave of e-commerce businesses and technology startups that are revolutionising industries. Let's look at Musk, Ma, and Zuckerberg (not so new but new in the model they chose to run their startups) These leaders possess a unique mindset, embodying courage and unwavering commitment to their vision, ultimately reshaping the way organisations are structured and managed, and how change is embraced.

After I watched this video last night, I would like to share what I see as the common traits among these transformative leaders and the impact they have had on the business landscape.

Shared Characteristics:

Take Facebook, for example. Despite experiencing a mass exodus of its management team within a year, those who remained were positively influenced by this new and inspirational leadership style. It is noteworthy that the founder recognized the mistakes made in communication, a challenge often faced by startup founders who assume others can effortlessly grasp their vision. This phenomenon harks back to the various types of organizational structures discussed in textbooks, revealing that new and tech-driven companies tend to adopt a flatter hierarchy, enabling swift decision-making as opposed to the multilayered decision-making processes of traditional organizations.

Embracing Risk:

Another common thread among these exceptional leaders is their willingness to embrace risk. Elon Musk, for instance, embarked on ventures such as Tesla and SpaceX without any guarantee of success. Nevertheless, he persevered, and today, he reaps the rewards of his audacity. Jack Ma, the visionary behind AliPay and Alibaba, also took significant risks at a time when his concepts were met with skepticism. As leaders in the current landscape, we must exhibit the same courage and commitment to drive our companies toward new heights. If it necessitates organisational transitions or changes, we must be ready to embrace them.

Leading Through Change:

The transformative leadership style exhibited by these visionaries has proven instrumental in navigating and leading through change. By challenging the status quo and embracing disruptive technologies, they have transformed entire industries. Their ability to adapt and pivot quickly is a hallmark of their leadership style, enabling organizations to remain agile in an ever-evolving marketplace. As leaders, we must learn from their example and foster a culture that encourages innovation, adapts swiftly to change, and capitalizes on emerging opportunities.

The emergence of a new breed of leadership has ushered in a profound transformation in the e-commerce and technology startup landscape. These leaders, driven by a unique vision, embody courage, and display unwavering commitment. They have reshaped organizational structures and management approaches, while also inspiring a faster pace of change adoption. By embracing risk and leading through change, they have propelled their companies to unprecedented heights. As leaders, it is imperative that we cultivate these characteristics, embracing disruption, and driving our organisations toward future success in this rapidly evolving business environment.

So as we call on 2.0, 3.0, or whatever represents transformation or transition for you as a manager, here are a few old lessons to focus on.

Watch the interview with Musk, Zuckerber and Ma here