What Does the Future Hold for Leadership?

“I need a hero.”, sings Bonnie Tyler – calling for a strong, fast, fresh from the fight an

d streetwise Hercules to “fight the rising odds”. Released in 1984, 11 years after the transformational theory of leadership first emerged, Tyler’s song might prove to be an anthem for our times.

During periods of uncertainty, change and crisis it is instinctive to seek out a leader who can guide us forward. A brave visionary who holds all the answers, and for whom the solution is blindingly obvious. A person so erudite, compelling, fluent, and confident that we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Ah, if only it were true, though. We find ourselves at 90 seconds to midnight on the Doomsday Clock. The climate crisis for which we can all be held responsible – both now and through history – will not be solved by our lone hero. To borrow the lyrics from another rock classic, we now need to search for the hero inside ourselves. Collectively, collaboratively we balance the boat… each of us acknowledging accountability and all playing our part. So, who is the ‘hero inside ourselves’? One approach to leadership – so called ‘servant leadership’ may offer a path.

Servant leadership prioritises the needs and wellbeing of others, with the leader’s min

dset being to serve as a facilitator and enabler, rather than the person with all the solutions. This style of leading focuses on creating a supportive and empowering work environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and open communication. Done well, this fosters higher levels of engagement, greater job satisfaction and better outcomes for the organisation as a whole.

The need for this shift from hero to servant has been driven by multiple factors – changes in organisational culture, increased emphasis on ESG and growing awareness of the vital need for emotional intelligence in leaders. Fortunately, advances in technology have facilitated easier communication and collaboration across diverse teams and geographies. Accordingly, the urgency to create more inclusive and diverse organisations is allowing attitudes and behaviours to change and adapt at pace. There’s a lot going on.

Servant leadership recognises the unique strengths and contributions of every team member. Leaders who embrace these principles foster a sense of community and responsibility, uniting coll

eagues behind the organisation’s purpose and working together toward the shared goal. This work environment promotes a positive social impact by creating an environment that is supportive, empowering, and respectful.

One of the defining characteristics of our species is the ability to adapt and thrive in changing environments, circumstances, and conditions. We currently face exceptionally complex and interconnected challenges, and we need leadership. Recognising the need for change is one thing, being brave enough to adapt and lead it, another. Are you prepared to make the change?