Today is less about the strongest; more about those who possess the ability to adapt and listen. What you say is less important than ever.

In recent forums that we have hosted, a consistent theme that has come through is on the pressures on leadership to evolve and change. Many feel frustrated with the pressures for this change, but it has become a reality. ?What a leader says is fast becoming less important than ever; it is more about what is delivered to the client and to the employee; both today are audiences who will hold companies to account.

To set the scene, a number of the points raised:

·?????? Leadership today is no longer about strong character and vision, but far more about those who possess the ability to listen, understand key themes and adapt. As one noted, “Vision is becoming harder and landscapes shift and all plans need to adapt.”

·?????? Businesses today do understand that they need to change to recruit the best talent but often this talent will hold leadership to account. Leaders do not possess all the power in the modern era, but they do possess all the responsibility.

·?????? There is a strong debate about the need for new frameworks which do support the emerging generations in the workplace. Whether one agrees with it or not is becoming ever less relevant; just as the critique of these generations is looking ever more counter-productive.

·?????? The world is facing new challenges all the time and no one can be certain of what the next crisis will be; only that there will be one. So, are companies ready and prepared?

·?????? The new talent streams do want to see strong social responsibility and a commitment to sustainability; so companies do need to possess strategies in these areas.

Business leadership today is more about listening, the creation of frameworks with care and compassion than has ever been the case. Any leader who has run a business for a sustained period will recognize the changes taking place. The days of people following a leader because of their position have disappeared. They may be respected but this is today governed by their actions and their genuine intent to build strong businesses with values.

It is interesting how many today write about the need to be vulnerable in leadership. The argument is that vulnerability builds trust. Maybe, but most still expect leaders to be strong; just with an understanding and listening ear to be able to adjust and deliver. Few, even today, want to see a leader fall from their horse. They would rather see their leader die on strong values.

No, it is less about any pressure to be open and vulnerable; more to be genuine and trusted in action.

The argument is that leaders may be held to account more than ever, but it will build strong businesses which do serve both their clients and their people far better than has been the case over the last twenty years.

Leadership is as tough as ever and it will not be getting easier any time soon.

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Written by Chris Sheppardson, EP Business in Hospitality