Why Flexible Leaders Are the Best Fit for Today’s Businesses

In today's fast-paced work environment, the lines between managers and leaders have become a bit blurry. It's not about being one or the other anymore; it's about being both when the situation calls for it.

So, today, we'll dive into the idea of flexible leaders. Leaders who can seamlessly switch between different thinking modes. And we'll discuss why flexible leaders are crucial for modern business and to lead Generation Z workforce.

What is Convergent and Divergent Thinking

Let's start by reviewing the concepts of convergent and divergent thinking.

Being a good manager is all about convergent thinking. Managers are usually more focused on being precise, following the rules, optimising operations, and meeting specific targets.

And this kind of thinking is suited for tasks with clear goals and well-defined rules, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. In fact, it's all about maintaining the status quo and keeping things stable.

On the other side, divergent thinking aligns more closely with leadership. It is more about looking at things from different angles, thinking creatively, having a vision and inspiring others to follow.

It's the kind of thinking that takes you away from traditional thoughts towards embracing innovation and entering uncharted territories.

We could even say that divergent thinking shines in situations that require thinking outside the box.

It’s becoming clear that manager and leader roles are becoming more intertwined and overlapping. Nowadays, businesses require flexible leaders who can embrace both leadership and management skills, depending on the specific situation and organisational needs.

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??DISCOVER: What Does It Mean to Be a Truly “Agile” Leader?

Who are the Flexible Leaders?

So, who are these flexible leaders we keep talking about? Well, flexible leaders are?those who can adjust their style or approach to leadership as a response to uncertain or unpredictable circumstances.

They're individuals who possess both convergent and divergent thinking skills. They can leverage convergent thinking to make strategic decisions or follow implemented plans. But they can also turn on the divergent thinking switch when they need creativity, maintain adaptability, and deal with change.

The Digital Radar 2023 survey revealed that companies consider data-driven, diverse, and flexible leadership crucial for achieving their innovation, net zero, and digital experience goals.

According to the same research, respondents stated that flexible leadership and a continuous learning culture are some of the top practices for meeting their digital experience and innovation objectives. ?

They also stated that for companies to thrive in a dynamic market, they need to have a solid foundation of live data. This involves implementing transparent, accessible, and widely shared data practices.

Additionally, they should adopt a product-centric mindset, focusing on organising themselves around the product rather than the process.

Finally, companies must foster a culture of flexibility and responsible risk-taking to succeed.

So that’s where flexible leaders come in.

Since they are good at adapting, they are indispensable assets in a world marked by rapid change, market disruptions, and technological advancements.

Moreover, flexible leaders are also well-suited to lead a new generation that will dominate the workforce — Generation Z.

A generation that will, according to the World Economic Forum, constitute a significant 27% of the workforce in OECD countries by 2025.

They’re the first generation to grow up entirely in the 21st century, surrounded by advanced technology from a very young age. They are used to constant adaptation and are open to change.

So flexible leaders, who can seamlessly switch between convergent and divergent thinking, are well-equipped to lead a generation that thrives on adaptability. Their ability to foster creativity and think outside the box also aligns well with Gen Z's expectations for innovative solutions and approaches.

Flexible leaders can successfully bridge that gap between traditional management and innovative leadership and meet this new generation's unique needs and expectations.

In her article, brilliant thought leader Simone Jo Moore pointed out, “The upcoming generations are our future customers, employees, and leaders. They are breaking the traditions of previous generations’ beliefs in?what makes a leader.”?

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???READ MORE: Gen Z in the Workforce: Are They the Unprepared or Disruptive Workers?

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How do you become a flexible leader?

Leaders can become more flexible by embracing a few practical strategies.

Firstly, they should actively seek feedback from their team and be open to change based on this input.

These are some practical questions that leaders should ask themselves here:

• Am I asking my team for feedback regularly?
• Is our workplace a safe space for honest feedback?
• Am I actively listening to feedback without getting defensive?
• Do I act on the feedback to make positive changes?
• How can I improve how I collect and use feedback?
• Am I willing to adjust my leadership based on feedback?
• What steps can I take to integrate feedback into our improvement process?

Flexibility also involves being adaptable, which means understanding when to be directive and when to be participative.

Developing a growth mindset is key, as it encourages leaders to see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Additionally, leaders can benefit from cross-training and expanding their skill sets to be well-rounded in various aspects of the business.

Lastly, fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation within the team encourages creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Overall, flexibility in leadership is about staying open to change, listening to others, and being willing to adjust strategies when needed to meet the evolving needs of the team and the organisation.

Final thoughts

In the past, you didn't have to be a fantastic leader to be a good manager.

But things have shifted. Today's business world is all about balancing strategic thinking with getting things done, leading while adapting to uncertainties, and creating a space for innovation while ensuring resources are used efficiently and goals are met.

So, what's the bottom line?

We need flexible leaders more than ever. These are the people who can adapt and switch between different thinking modes seamlessly.

And most importantly, they can navigate uncertain situations and anticipate upcoming trends.

#ITleaders #leadership #flexibleleaders #thoughtleadership #managers #leadershipdevelopment #team

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