Success in a team begins with the management style. In order to meet the demands and expectations of employees in the long term, good ideas are needed - especially in today's increasingly digitalized working world. Because a new management culture is establishing itself on the executive floor. The pandemic is accelerating this change.
The digital transformation not only changes the workplace, but also what employees expect from their superiors. Managers must learn to develop themselves, to adapt and to treat employees with respect. And they must focus on turning the team into a community in which all employees are involved - this is the only way to create a future-proof, successful and, above all, humane workplace. Being a good manager means much more than just giving commands. Employees want to be heard, to feel respected and valued - only then can they be truly productive.
One example: The Basel-based pharmaceutical company Novartis is undergoing a radical cultural change. Two years ago, Vasant Narasimhan, then 41 years old, became CEO. Right from the start, he created a new maxim: "Unbossed the company". Rigid hierarchies were torn down to make the Group more agile and innovative. Narasimhan also turned the management principle on its head. The manager is no longer there to give orders. Instead, he should serve the team. For a leader, this means focusing on interpersonal skills, on compassion, listening and emotion. Only those who understand their employees can help in difficult times and turn problems into challenges. Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft is regarded as the prototype of this new generation of managers, who do not command, but show empathy and compassion. The model of infallible, omniscient bosses has had its day. The Corona Pandemic has accelerated this change.
This new situation and mindset mean that in 2020 "bottom-up leadership" will become increasingly relevant. Employees will be able to make their own decisions and thus generate innovations. After all, it is the different expertise within the team that provides valuable ideas and perspectives that can lead to various improvements for the company. It is therefore important to promote these and to steer them in the right direction as a manager, instead of fighting them to have the sole say. In this way, new perspectives can emerge, and better results can be achieved in the team and the company as a whole. Participative leadership is an important keyword in this context.
Of course, the topic of New Work will continue to play an important role. Where the transformation has not yet been completed - or even begun - it is important to rethink common working models and to meet employees at eye level. The way must be cleared for alternative concepts such as "working from home" and further measures must be implemented to improve employee loyalty.
Finally, it is adaptability that is gaining in relevance, especially during the Corona crisis. Managers must therefore be able to react flexibly to situations instead of clinging to routines or fixed structures. It is necessary to find new ways of thinking, problem solving & Co. and to re-evaluate every situation.
Do you have questions about Leadership? Then get in touch with us!
_1.svg)