The job for leaders today
As we move through rapidly changing times on our planet, the world of work is also undergoing a huge demographic shift. Today more than half of the work place is Millennials, and by 2025, the number of Millennials will increase to 75%.
Right now 2 out of 5 people have a boss that is younger than them. Are you one of them?
In this demographically new time, what kind of leadership is needed? What is the job of a leader today compared with even five years ago?
The World Economic Forum white paper on leadership says the number one job for leaders in the fourth industrial revolution is empowering people. Gone is the ‘war time hero’ leader, the command and control, hierarchical, confident and untouchable leader.
Say hello to the authentic leader. This leader gets under their team and empowers them to make decisions. This leader is real about their limitations, humble and open. This leader stands up for what they and their people believe in.
While being authentic and vulnerable is risky, taking the lead on this paves the way for a team to be ok to fail, take charge and be empowered.
Who are the leaders of today
In today’s world 140 characters is more powerful than an army of 140 people. It can start a movement and create actual change with a few words or a hashtag.
Some examples that come to mind
Elon Musk and Atlassian founder fast tracked for solar batteries in South Australia
The me too movement took off with a hashtag
School strike 4 climate became a global movement after one 16 year old skipped school
That’s right. Today, a 16 year old can start a global movement and get the attention of the European Parliament.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel conceded that her government was driven to act faster on climate change by young activists like teenager Greta Thunberg. "The seriousness with which Greta, but also many, many other young people, are telling us that this is about their lives, and that their life spans extend further, has led us to approach the matter more resolutely," said Merkel.
The Australian School Strike 4 Climate’s website reads “We are school students from cities and towns across Australia. Most of us have never met in person before but are united by our concern about our planet.”
Leadership today is not what you would expect. It’s the people who empower others. It is a fast paced, purpose driven movement, connected through technology.
What will use your next 140 characters to change?