Leading in troubled times

We are experiencing an amazing transformation in leadership and organizations! Those that resist the changes are being left behind while the smartest ones are adapting to the new working methods. The typical employee who spent all day staring at his desk and not saying a word to anyone is a fossil from the organizational Paleolithic era. But today, we revel in new ways of doing and sharing, so what technology has accomplished cannot be ruined by misdirection.

That’s why effective leadership sees technology as key to connecting people within the organization and to the marketplace. There are no limits or barriers to this new connectivity that changes our customs. We must be vigilant in organizations and know how to respond to the market and anticipate the changes that are taking place, even if they are still in the initial stages.

There is no better way to learn about leadership than from those who have already paved the way. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google, already in the 2000s, shared their business philosophy based on three principles that define their leadership style:

  1. Nothing beats the desire to excel, both individually and as a team.
  2. Making quick decisions is best, even if they require adjustments later.
  3. Being very good at what you do is not enough, it is just the starting point, not the goal.

We are witnessing a true revolution in leadership and organizations!

The words of Larry Page and Sergey Brin resonate even today, and it’s exciting to see how these principles can be applied in any business context.

To lead amid the turmoil and uncertainty of today’s environment, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, director and president of the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, offers some valuable advice. She clearly distinguishes effective leaders from those who lag behind, holding on to past decisions.

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Imagine these managers in their denial phase, refusing to accept the reality that is presented to them. Although they know that their organizations must strive to survive in times of disruption and change, they are not fully committed. What they really need to do is get past that denial phase and take action.

Successful leaders in turbulent times embrace change, plan for it, and make the most of it.

But wait, there is more! These managers seem to need absolute certainty before taking a step forward. They want guarantees that every investment or action they take will bring them success. We must eradicate that mentality and become more humble, accepting that we must manage change instead of resisting it. We cannot demand certainty in such a volatile and unstable world.

When managers cling to the need for certainty, they limit their ability to adapt and make quick decisions. Instead, they must be willing to experiment, try new ideas, and learn from failure.

Uncertainty should not be seen as an obstacle but as an opportunity to innovate and grow.

Furthermore, in this new business landscape, it is essential to foster collaboration and teamwork. Effective leaders understand that they can’t do everything themselves and recognize the value of their team’s different perspectives and skills. They promote an environment of trust and openness, where effective communication is encouraged and diversity is valued.

Instead of imposing an authoritarian leadership style, successful leaders take a more participatory and empowering approach. They seek to involve employees in decision-making and grant them autonomy so that they can assume responsibilities and develop their potential. This not only increases motivation and job satisfaction but also drives creativity and innovation in the organization.

Likewise, effective leaders are aware of the importance of adaptability and flexibility. They are willing to adjust their approach and strategy based on the changing circumstances of the business environment. Instead of clinging to old ways of doing things, they are open to exploring new opportunities and reinventing the organization if necessary.

Conclusion

Effective leadership in today’s era is characterized by adaptability, collaboration, empowerment, and the ability to manage uncertainty.

Successful leaders understand that technology and changes in the business environment cannot be ignored, but must be harnessed as catalysts for growth and innovation.

They are willing to learn from other visionary leaders, like Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and take valuable advice from leadership experts like Rosabeth Moss Kanter.

Ultimately, they strive to build organizations that are agile, resilient, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Posted in luisreyes.es

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