Being a leader today is different from what it was even just a few years ago. Being a leader today requires four things – cause, care, flexibility, and courage.
A Just Cause: Leaders must create a just cause that people desperately want to believe in. When people believe in a cause they are willing to make sacrifices, not because they want to but because they know it will make a difference. A Just Cause is felt deeply by people.
Culture of Care: If people tell you they love their work it is because the leader cares about them. The emotion of love (not like) is a deep connection. Leaders who foster a culture of care allow people to be their “real” selves. Genuinely asking “How’s it going, is there anything you need?” can make all the difference to people.
Existential Flexibility: More than ever a leader needs to know when to shift directions, even if it means making a complete U-turn for the organization. Knowing when to make a strategic shift can determine the future of an organization (think Kodak).
Courage: Courage is on every list about being a leader. It takes courage to take a hard look at yourself to understand what you can do better. The courage to create a Just Cause, foster a Culture of Care, and Be Existentially Flexible is unbelievably difficult – it is not easy.