The world as we know it today is a dynamic place–no surprise here! Things are changing rapidly and no one can afford to lag behind these changes…at least if they wish to be successful. It can also be very demanding as well. However, being stagnant and an onlooker are sure-fire ways to be left in the turbulent wake of those who recognize and move with the tide. This mentality can be seen in the way businesses (and successful entrepreneurs) operate in today’s markets, compared to even 10 years ago, when they diversified and invested in stocks, maintaining huge inventories of products to maintain supply chains and ensure their perpetuity–well the COVID-19 pandemic changed all that. Looking ahead, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the brinks of changing the game altogether! So how does a company, business or individual prepare for all of this change? The answer is leadership–but not just any type: Dynamic, proactive leadership!
Today, many companies have an excessive focus on minimizing the size of their inventories. This approach aims to make them more agile, adaptable to change, and ready to embrace new products and innovations in their respective markets. This emphasis is especially prevalent among technology-driven companies, which cannot afford to be caught with outdated parts or software tools that have been surpassed by newer and more innovative offerings from their competitors in the same or alternative markets. Failure to stay abreast of the trends, or at the very least acknowledge them, has resulted in the downfall of numerous once-prominent brands that have faded into obscurity.
However, this principle holds true not just for companies and technology but also for today’s leaders. Ultimately, leaders must recognize the necessity of personal growth and avoid becoming complacent with their current positions and levels of influence. It is vital not to become overly focused on maintaining the status quo simply because it is effective. After all, why try to fix something that is not broken? The same rationale applies to the regular upgrades of our phones or computers every few years or even months – we do so to keep up with the pace of advancements.
It may not need to be fixed, but there is always room for improvement–leaders have a passion for learning and growing. As Simon Sinek advocates, as leaders we can always get better! Leadership must be viewed as a process which is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. Today’s leaders must understand the challenges being faced by the people they lead and be proactive in addressing them. Leaders do not necessarily need to have the answers, but should understand which direction to steer the bus to find them. The unpredictability of where things might be heading means leaders must not only see what’s in front of them, but also ready their teams to take on what might be next. So how can leaders prepare for this seemingly impossible role?
First, leaders must remember that the leadership principles have not changed; only the atmosphere within which those principles are used has shifted. Leaders are still obliged to create the roadmap and infuse the organization with their vision. Second, and most importantly, leaders will need to be adaptable and willing to discard long-held beliefs and mantras, especially if they have been surpassed by new ideas and business acumen.
These expectations above are often easier to express than to realize. A leader can also be blindsided by their own beliefs and mantras, which define their leadership style. This is why leaders possess distinct and diverse personas and are viewed with magnanimity. Therefore, today’s leaders should be prepared to reinvent themselves while propelling their organizations and teams towards a common goal, without losing their identity or influence. Given the current uncertainties and the need to swiftly adapt or pivot in the face of challenges and changes, leaders now more than ever realize that they cannot afford to remain static!