19 Aug 90% of Leaders Are Operating on an Outdated Leadership Model
The future of leadership in our world of work today needs to be about trust and inspiration.
A lot of leaders think they have “evolved” from an old-school approach to leadership, but in reality, they haven’t. In fact, research shows that nine out of 10 leaders are still operating out of an outdated command and control model.
What that change actually requires is a shift in mindset and the leader’s identity rather than creating a goal to then executing.
What do we see leaders doing wrong, and how can they fix it? Read on to find out.
Command and Control
“Here’s the goal. Here’s how we are going to achieve it. Now go do it.”
This is how some leaders still think they should approach directing and motivating their teams.
This is called the “Command and Control,” method and, believe it or not, 90 percent of organizations still operate under this type of structure. They tell people what the plan is and how to do it. And they retain all the authority.
If that seems a bit naive, overly simplistic and even a bit harsh — you’re right! In our modern work climate, this simply isn’t a viable way to inspire or lead your people. Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize they’re operating this way.
We often see this played out in the real world among the teams we work with. In a moment of clarity, leaders decide they need to start inspiring their people, so they invest in trainings or workshops designed to move them forward.
After those sessions, they’re intent on using what they’ve learned. But when they don’t see instant results, the pressure and stress rise and the leader swoops in and decides what needs to be done. The teachings of those sessions are quickly cast aside in favor of an all-hands-on-deck to execute on the designed plan to get results back to where the leader says they need to be.
We don’t just disapprove of this leadership style because it rubs people the wrong way or seems dated. In the most pragmatic sense, Command and Control simply isn’t an effective way to lead. It doesn’t drive results, create cohesive teams or develop talent. That’s why we suggest dropping this style in favor of a more modern and effective approach.
Trust and Inspire
The future of leadership isn’t authoritarian — it’s understanding and motivational.
In a modern workplace, leadership is about building two-way trust and inspiring your team to achieve great things and develop their skills. And for leaders to go from “Command and Control” to “Trust and Inspire,” they need to be willing to change their mindset and identity.
That’s why, at Talent Suite, we refer to our leadership development program as Unlocking the Whole Leader.
We execute a contemporary approach to leadership development that utilizes your team’s internal DNA and culture, addressing development through the whole person — the head, the heart and the briefcase, which results in a more well-rounded leader.
Our sessions take a “learn-use-repeat” approach, giving your leaders actual tools that they can implement, scale and track, ensuring they retain information at a higher rate.
A three-pronged approach focuses on the foundation of the whole leader, innovative and creative leadership and effective and efficient leadership, creating a continuum of constant growth and a foundation upon which to build into the future.
If you’re ready to reach your people goals and move your leadership into 2024, reach out today.