A renewed call for a paradigm shift in leadership
By Armin Forstner
More than three years on from our initial post about Brexit, where we predicted that we will enter into a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) dominated period of time. At that point we were hopeful that a new type of leader might see some opportunities. The only thing that happened so far was more VUCA and more of an ‘old’ leadership style.
What do I mean by ‘old’ leadership style?
Well in this context I am referring to those Leaders within organisations who are deemed to be ‘highly capable, sociable, and intelligent’. Why? Well because we have an in built mental model of leadership where we connect capability with affability, as well as demonstrations of strength or confidence equals ability. After all, as I have heard through most of my working life, perception is king!! Consequently, we can find these types of individuals in leadership positions throughout our places of work.
What impact do those individuals have?
Well, all we have to do is look at the global burnout rates, the increasingly negative mental health statistics and record low employee engagement levels. All unsurprising of course. What type of behaviours can we see in these type of individuals to more or less degree:
• Lack of awareness and self-awareness
• Solely concerned about themselves
• Uses fear to retain power
• Loyalty is rewarded, perceived lack of loyalty is severely punished
• Do not like being challenged and when they are they become ever more entrenched in their beliefs/positions
• Deal in absolutes
• Will not accept responsibility for the consequences of their decisions
• Blame is shifted to others
• Unrealistic/over confident view of themselves and their position in the organisation
• Relationships matter!! But only if they are of value to me
This list can go on and on, but I guess you recognised some of these trades?
Soon we will see the very really impact of this leadership style for ourselves on an international level. We do however, live with this impact daily. So what we need to do recognise is that with the complexity of the problems we face, a new type of leader is required, where pragmatic, positive, and collaborative approaches are embraced in order to achieve the most beneficial collective outcome.
It is time for Positive Leaders!
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