The Workplace has changed forever. It isn’t going back.

This is our opportunity to go forward in a new way

By Sandra Oliver

I have this great job where I spend my days helping people and then see them build something special. I recently participated in a panel discussion with a leader who was feeling inspired and wanted to share with his team. He has achieved great success in his personal and professional life and he wants that for others. I’m fortunate to be a small part of his success. This panel was a unique opportunity to watch a talented leader in action. It inspired me to share my observations.

This leader kicked off the sessions by speaking about his goals in a very personal way. He  was compelling, vulnerable, and forward looking. And everyone in the practice – about 60 to 70 people – saw that and responded. His people were enthusiastic and excited.  You always wonder how much people will talk in these sessions. It varies. This time, everyone talked and the vibe in the room was infectious.  

A lot of amazing insights came out of that session but some of the insights are important for all teams. Here are the top five that I see currently playing out in the most innovative teams:

Open dialogue is more important than ever. Listening and engaging at all levels leads to better solutions:

People are often afraid to speak up, either because of hierarchy or political correctness. Create an environment that’s open, accepting, non-judgemental, and forgiving.

Allow people to voice their ideas even if you don’t agree with them. Even if they make mistakes. It helps build resilience and solve complex challenges.

It accesses the best ideas from all levels and is what helps us all thrive. It’s particularly important for younger generations. It’s part of what they expect from work, and it helps them learn while teaching older generations innovative ideas. We need to encourage open dialogue and debate.

People are looking to be inspired by their leaders, but also be part of creating a great culture:

After the turmoil of the last five years, people want positivity, purpose and vision. And the culture needs to be “human” (to quote another client) and something that helps people thrive. They want to drive forward. They want to support each other. They want to be fulfilled by their work, contribute to their teams and organizations, and show up for themselves in the best way. And have their leaders show interest in their wellbeing. We need to foster an environment of positivity and energy. A collaborative culture where people see their role in inspiring others, and achieving job satisfaction and purpose.

Authoritative leadership is dead:

Leaders no longer lead from above. They can no longer direct people or rely on being the “smartest person in the room”.

Today, everyone in the organization feels equal and wants to be treated as such. And everyone has unique needs and wants to be treated as the unique person that they are.

All while ensuring that the team and the organization are commercially successful and meeting their objectives. This makes leadership much harder and much more time consuming. But it can be much more rewarding. We need leaders to promote collaboration vs independence or competition. Among our teams, clients and communities. Employees want this and it works. I saw it in the room.

We’re at a creative pivot point:

For the last few years most leaders we work with have been exceptionally busy and quite transactional. There has been a great deal of change. Some good. Some bad. Much of it not all that well thought out. This moment feels different. Most organizations are experiencing quite a bit of strategic shifts including lots of new leaders. When we talk to leaders we sense an energy and creativity in the air that’s been missing for quite a while. The time is now to cement significant strategic and cultural transformation. Now people are ready to change. To go and see each other again. To work together. To build an environment in which everyone thrives. To be co-creators of their futures. We need to make space for creativity.

Showing up means physically being there:

There’s no substitute for in-person relationship building. We’re social beings and we thrive in social settings – both introverts and extroverts. Physical proximity tends to deepen trust, improve learning and increase creativity and productivity. And there are positive societal impacts. We’re hearing leaders talk about helping to “fill the cities”, and support local businesses and city infrastructure, like transit systems. Every organization is unique in how they handle physical connection, but the vast majority are increasing the time spent face to face.

The world is evolving. And people are ready for it. For that new energy. It’s up to us to be the leaders we need to be. To set an inspiring example. Bring people together. Build the environment to drive that energy forward. And create the workplace of the future.