In large processes of cultural evolution, such as the current contexts, leaders have an even more relevant role. Recent events have literally forced a cultural evolution at all levels in companies and leaders have been inexorably overwhelmed by it.
Many have been able to ride the wave. They experienced, understood, learned and were truly able to seize a precious opportunity for authentic evolution. Some others improvised and, ultimately, improvisation represents a resource, perhaps even a genuine talent.
The majority faced the unprecedented and extremely difficult challenge with a great sense of responsibility and conscience and had the intellectual honesty to admit some defeats along with the successes.
What is certain is that reality sees us projected into a world with technological and organizational phenomena whose scope is enormously difficult to deal with.
Today it is talked about inclusive, inspirational, feminine, heartfelt, sustainable, humanist leadership etc. and, undoubtedly, each of these proposals brings with it the authentic value and weight of those years-long research or those experiences accumulated even with great effort.
And since on this matter there is nothing certain, final, to be negligible, especially in constantly changing times, and then, every experience, opinion, study or research, survey, are always opportunities for consideration and reflection, I will try, I too, to propose some aspects which, in my modest way of seeing, should characterize a leader so that he can face this historical phase with a sense of presence and responsibility:
Curiosity, which must never be lacking, because after all there are many proposals and there are no recipes; stopping at the first reading or at the first inspiration could be fatal.
The ability for synthesis and personal elaboration, because the approach to the many proposals must not be encyclopedic but synthetic, that is, capable of drawing the best out of every idea to obtain a very personal proposal.
Anti brittleness, the ability that perhaps we have really put aside, that is to lend ourselves to chaos (absence of routine, points of reference, regularity, habits, serenity) with the aim of learning and thriving.
Attention to those who have a vast repertoire of experiences accumulated over time.
The ability not to be shocked by the contradictions of the reality that surrounds us; paradoxes are an integral part of a complex worldle and leaders (and not only) are faced with the challenge of identifying useful and intelligent syntheses.
Lastly, I would add a great sense of sportsmanship in the face of what represents an unavoidable factor in the leaders’ daily game, and in the face of which one sometimes runs the risk of becoming a little “over-confident”: the risk, which it cannot be eliminated from the life, not only of leaders but also of all of us.
In short, we could say that what is worth focusing on is, more than ever, the “quality” of the daily action of a leader and his collaborators.
I hope I have not added to the confusion in the debate.
This is an inspiring post Aldo Delli Paoli
The rapid changing word with the increasing hybridization of cultures, technological advances and easiness of connections have changed not only business models but also organizational structures and management models.
You aptly described the need for managers and leaders to evolve and highlighted the need for humanist leaders.
A great post that deserves careful study.
Thank you for being interested in my post.