What Modern Leadership Looks Like Today

The days of company leaders ensconced in corner offices and protected by their executive assistants have all but disappeared. While the essential role that executives fill remains the same, today’s leaders have adopted a more hands-on approach. Modern leadership is becoming increasingly collaborative, with a focus on an “us” versus a “you” mindset when it comes to approaching work.

At its core, collaborative leadership is all about leveraging the skills of your team. In the past, people were hired for positions that held specific sets of job requirements. Perhaps over time, these positions and their associated duties evolved along with the needs of the organization. Often, however, the strengths of individual team members were not taken into account as these changes occurred.

Today’s most effective leaders make an effort to know their team members. They adopt a collaborative work mentality that allows everyone, including him or herself, to best leverage their individual strengths. It is proven that when people perform tasks that motivate and energize them, they are more productive, not to mention happier! Employees that are satisfied with their jobs are more engaged, and are less likely to call in sick or look for opportunities elsewhere. It is a win-win for everyone.

To create a collaborative environment, invest time and energy in your team. Cultivate success by making yourself available as a mentor, and support your team in finding influence and inspiration elsewhere in the company, as well. An open door policy can go a long way in encouraging individuals to come to you with new ideas, or problems that they may have. Allow your team members to work outside of their traditional roles-you never know what hidden talents can arise from the right environment!

Most of all, allow space to work on the business versus in the business, and encourage your team members to do the same. Dedicate time every quarter to evaluate what is working and what could be improved. Celebrate successes and brainstorm ways to work on frustrations. Take a step back from the day-to-day grind to see how far you and your team have come. Set goals for the future to create an environment that everyone feels excited about and invested in. After all, collaborative environments allow everyone to learn, grow and thrive.