As leadership styles and employee expectations have changed over the years, CEOs have had to adapt to become more collaborative and better equipped to help their teams reach organisational goals. However, despite this evolution, research indicates that leadership still has room for improvement. A recent study by DDI Global Leadership Forecast found that while 48% of leaders consider their organisation's leadership quality to be high, only 28% of HR teams share the same sentiment.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to keep pace with employee expectations and continually strive for growth. Here are 6 tips that you may find useful as you guide your organisation.
- Recognise your style: It is essential to understand your CEO style and approach to leadership. This knowledge is not something that comes naturally, and it may take some introspection and self-reflection to determine your strengths, weaknesses, and motivators. Understanding your style will enable you to adapt and communicate more effectively with your staff, as one style may not fit all situations.
- Pursue your passions: As a CEO it can be easy to find yourself caught up in uninspiring processes. Instead, focus on building your organisation in a way that allows you to pursue what excites you. Consider hiring individuals who complement your skill set and who enjoy process-oriented tasks so you can spend your time playing to your strengths.
- Be visible: In the past, employees rarely had the opportunity to interact with company leaders. However, times have changed, and today, effective leaders must be transparent and present. Thanks to digital tools, communication has become much more accessible, and during the pandemic, it became even more critical for CEOs to stay in touch with employees and provide regular updates. Communication builds trust and enhances confidence, both within the company and among consumers who want to know who is behind the scenes and what the company stands for.
- Take a step back every now and then: As a senior leader, you may be accustomed to handling everything, but as your company grows, it is essential to step back and allow your team to step up. This means resisting the temptation to jump into team projects and meetings. Focusing your time on setting the direction, providing support, and empower your team to take ownership is a much more efficient way to spend your finite amount of time.
- Set goals and boundaries: As a CEO, one of your key responsibilities is to set goals and establish boundaries. However, to drive the best results, it is important to involve the individuals who will be executing the goals in the planning process. Provide guidelines to help keep the team focused while also preserving their autonomy. I define focus areas as part of our annual planning process, but it is crucial to ensure that your goals and boundaries are not limited by previous experiences or limiting beliefs. Challenge yourself to think big and believe that anything is possible.
- Embrace your values: Recent studies have shown that one in five Gen Z employees would only work for a company that shares their values. The best employees want to align their roles with something bigger than themselves. Emphasising your company values in the hiring process can help you attract the right candidates from the start, which will foster camaraderie and team spirit. Clearly articulate your company values, purpose, and vision, and help your team understand how their contributions support the larger mission.
