Reimagining Leadership in HR: My Journey as a Transformational Leader

In a recent conversation around my article, humanizing HR and delving into the intricacies of personal branding, it lead me to embarked on a journey to explore my leadership style and how it has changed, morphed, and evolved throughout my career. ?The feedback and insights from this assignment have been enlightening, revealing a collective yearning for transformational leadership and a deep-seated desire for change within the industry.

Embracing the Mantle of Change

Finding out that my team and colleagues see me as someone who leads change and inspires transformation, was humbling and affirming. It's a huge compliment, but it's not just about me trying to shake things up on my own, change doesn’t happen without a team to rally with, debate against, and move forward with. It made me think about the way in which I process, find, and push for new ideas. It made me think about how making sure HR stays fresh and relevant, is critical to transformation.

Contrary to the traditional view that leaders are born with an inherent desire to lead change, my path was far from predetermined. In fact, many times I have been advised to “stand down” or “stay in my lane.” ?My journey in leading change, was shaped by challenges, introspection, and a transformative realization: to embrace the inherent qualities that set me apart. Encouraged by mentors and driven by a passion for business and innovation, I took on projects and found companies that thrived on change, where my natural inclinations towards disruption and creativity could flourish. In other words, I stopped trying to be someone I wasn’t, and found places that let me, be me.

The Journey of Learning and Evolution

My leadership journey is a testament to the power of embracing one's authentic self and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. From immersing myself in business literature (I listen to books way more than I read them), to acquiring certifications in emerging fields like AI, digital supply chain management, and prompt engineering, my journey underscores the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Navigating Leadership Styles

Leadership, I've learned, is not monolithic. It is as diverse as the challenges and opportunities we encounter. From the steadfastness required to steady the ship to the vision needed to chart new courses, the spectrum of leadership styles is vast and varied. In my exploration, I've encountered several styles that resonate with my philosophy (some approaches I am great at, and other I am not- but I have learned to embrace all of them, appreciate each style, and to appreciate the style that best fits my natural bend to change and disruption). ?

• Transformational Leadership: At its heart, transformational leadership is all about firing up change with a hefty dose of vision and passion. This style is for those who dare to ask "what if" and "what's next," blending a strong drive for innovation with the belief in the boundless potential of ideas and people. It's not for the faint-hearted, though, as it demands high accountability and a knack for navigating through the fog of uncertainty. Transformational leaders are trailblazers, setting the pace and direction for others to follow, and embracing the idea that true leadership is about elevating everyone's game .
• Servant Leadership: Imagine leading by putting others first—this is the crux of servant leadership. It's leadership that wears empathy on its sleeve and thrives on active listening and building a sense of community. This approach aligns with the belief that empowering others around you isn't just nice; it's necessary. Servant leaders are the backbone of a team, ensuring that everyone feels heard, valued, and motivated to contribute to the collective vision .
• Adaptive Leadership: In today's world, where change is the only constant, being an adaptive leader is akin to being a skilled navigator in tumultuous seas. This leadership style is about embracing change, anticipating challenges, and steering the team through transformations with agility and foresight. Adaptive leaders are the ones who can read the winds of change, adjust the sails accordingly, and keep the crew rowing together towards new horizons .
• Democratic Leadership: Democratic leadership is all about democratizing the decision-making process. It's a style that values inclusivity and participation, ensuring that every team member has a voice in shaping the journey ahead. While this approach may slow down the execution phase as consensus is built, the end result is often richer, more enduring change that everyone feels a part of. It's leadership that believes in the power of collective wisdom and shared ownership of both the journey and the outcomes .

A Call to Embrace Diverse Paths

As we contemplate the future of leadership within HR and beyond, it's critical to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The essence of effective leadership lies in understanding oneself, embracing the diversity of styles, and finding the environment where one can truly thrive.

Looking Ahead

As we reimagine the future of HR, let us lean into the diversity of leadership styles, embracing the lessons they offer and the growth they foster. My journey is but one among many, yet it underscores a universal truth: in the mosaic of leadership, each style, each approach, and each journey contributes to the rich tapestry that shapes the world of human resources.

Let us embark on this journey together, embracing the changes and challenges that lie ahead, for it is through collective endeavor that we can redefine the landscape of HR and leadership.