Leading in a Disrupted World: Modern Leadership Styles & Tips
Discover how to navigate modern leadership challenges in a world shaped by disruption. From workplace shifts to generational differences and technological advancements, this guide offers actionable strategies to lead effectively with adaptability, empathy, and purpose.
By Brian G.
Posted December 19, 2024
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Whether you are a new leader or have had others reporting to you for decades, today’s leadership challenges are unprecedented. COVID-19 was the catalyst for shifting the workplace experience, the relationship that people have with their work, and the nature of the work itself. Whether it was “work from home,” or “work six feet away,” what had been the norm one day, was no longer. As workplace restrictions started to lift, the Great Resignation hit. A 2021 study reported that while employers believed work/life balance was a key driver of turnover; in fact, it was not feeling valued by the immediate supervisor or the organization and not feeling a sense of belonging. Next came Artificial Intelligence with a yet-to-be-determined impact. And the only certainty is that there are more disruptors just over the horizon. It’s just uncertain what they are and when they will hit.
Today’s leaders are facing a world of continuous change. The best people leave either because changes are not well handled or because they find no purpose in the work they are doing.
Younger leaders find themselves with direct reports who are sometimes old enough to be their parents or grandparents. Those who call people back to the office find some who are thrilled to return and others who refuse. As the differences between generations become more dramatic, the conflicts between generations in the workplace become more pronounced.
Burnout is a long-standing leadership challenge that continues to plague many organizations. For many organizations that had strong values-based cultures, the turnover caused by COVID-19 and the retirement of Boomers has diluted the culture significantly.
It can be overwhelming, and for some leaders, it is.
But it doesn’t have to be. As a leader, you can face each of these challenges (and more) and successfully move through them. Not that it will be easy. It will take perseverance, courage, resilience, and time. It will take leading by relationship, rather than by title. It will take focus and commitment.
Here is how to become the best possible leader you can be, with tips and insights from my decade of experience with leadership coaching.
Modern Leadership Tips
Here are a few overarching guidelines for leading in a disrupted world. As a leader, your challenge is to apply each of them within the environment you control.
- Play the hand you are dealt. A lot of what you are facing is out of your control. What you (and those who report to you) can control is how you respond to it.
- Focus. In Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown writes that the essentialist thinks “only a few things really matter,” “says ‘no’ to everything except the essential,” and “gets the right things done.” Learn to say no “with courage and grace.”
- Forget time management. We all have the same amount of time. The difference is, some of us try to manage the time while others manage their priorities within the time that they have. Use the time you have for not only urgent priorities but also those that are important although not urgent.
- Lead through relationships. People work for people, not titles. People trust people, not titles. People are loyal to people, not titles. Build relationships that go beyond roles. Build them person-to-person.
- Blend, not balance. Stop spending energy trying to “balance” your life. Blend work and life. Work is about the result, so focus on that. Life is about the result, so focus on that too. When traveling for business and possible, extend the stay and bring the family along.
- Listen to your head, heart, and gut. The neuroscience is clear. In your heart and in your gut is the same electrochemical activity as in your head, and 90% of the communication is upward. Some decisions call for the head, some for the heart, some for the gut, and some for a combination. Pay attention to what they are saying. (More on this in my next article.)
Modern Leadership Styles
In a disrupted world, traditional leadership approaches often fall short. Modern leaders must adopt adaptive, inclusive, and forward-thinking styles to navigate today’s challenges effectively. Below are key modern leadership styles that align with the demands of an ever-changing workplace, offering actionable insights for leaders at all levels. As a leader today, it may be necessary for you to call on more than one style.
1. Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams by creating a vision for the future and encouraging innovation. This style thrives in times of disruption by focusing on growth, both for individuals and the organization.
Characteristics
- Visionary – Sets a clear, compelling vision for the team or organization.
- Inspirational – Motivates others to achieve beyond their perceived limitations.
- Innovative – Embraces change and encourages creativity.
Who Makes a Good Transformational Leader?
- Individuals with strong communication skills who can articulate a vision.
- Leaders who are forward-thinking and embrace change.
- Those who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
When Is Transformational Leadership Most Effective?
Transformational leadership is most effective during periods of significant change, such as organizational restructuring, launching new initiatives, or entering new markets. It’s particularly useful for motivating teams to adopt innovative solutions and align their efforts with long-term goals.
How to Build Transformational Leadership
- Host regular brainstorming sessions to foster creativity and problem-solving.
- Practice storytelling to connect daily tasks to the organization’s mission. What is the “story from the future” that speaks to life when the new vision is achieved?
- Provide opportunities for professional growth, such as individual, group, and team coaching, mentorship programs or skill-building workshops.
2. Servant Leadership
Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team, fostering trust, empathy, and collaboration. This leadership style is particularly effective for nurturing long-term loyalty and combating burnout.
Characteristics
- Empathy – Actively listens and understands the emotions and challenges of team members.
- Selflessness – Places the well-being of others above their own.
- Growth-Oriented – Focuses on the personal and professional development of their team.
Who Makes a Good Servant Leader?
- Individuals with strong interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
- Leaders who value collaboration and are willing to share power.
- People in roles where employee well-being directly impacts performance (e.g., healthcare, education, or customer service).
When Is Servant Leadership Most Effective?
Servant leadership is highly effective in environments where trust and collaboration are critical, such as during periods of team stress, high turnover, or when cultivating a strong organizational culture. It’s especially useful in industries where long-term employee loyalty drives success.
How to Build Servant Leadership Skills
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to understand personal drivers (e.g. “What gets you up and excited to come to work?”), challenges, and aspirations.
- Delegate meaningful projects to build confidence and provide growth opportunities.
- Publicly recognize achievements to celebrate contributions and reinforce a culture of trust.
3. Adaptive Leadership
Adaptive leaders excel by responding flexibly to new challenges and guiding their teams through uncertainty. They embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat, fostering resilience and creativity.
Characteristics
- Flexibility – Quickly adjusts to new circumstances and challenges.
- Empowerment – Engages the team in problem-solving and decision-making.
- Resilience – Thrives in uncertainty and helps others do the same.
Who Makes a Good Adaptive Leader?
- Leaders who are comfortable with ambiguity and can think on their feet.
- Individuals who excel at managing diverse teams and perspectives.
- Professionals with strong critical thinking and emotional regulation skills.
When Is Adaptive Leadership Most Effective?
Adaptive leadership is most effective during times of rapid change or uncertainty, such as navigating industry disruptions, responding to crises, or implementing new technologies. It shines in environments requiring resilience and innovative problem-solving.
How to Build Adaptive Leadership Skills
- Create feedback loops where employees can share ideas for navigating disruptions.
- Build cross-functional teams to address challenges with diverse perspectives.
- Practice scenario planning to prepare for multiple potential outcomes.
4. Inclusive Leadership
Inclusive leadership emphasizes equity, diversity, and belonging. Leaders in this style actively work to establish psychological safety, ensuring all voices are heard and valued, which is critical in managing multi-generational and diverse teams.
Characteristics
- Equitable – Ensures fair treatment and opportunities for all team members.
- Collaborative – Encourages input and participation from everyone.
- Culturally Competent – Understands and values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Who Makes a Good Inclusive Leader?
- Individuals who value diversity and are committed to creating equitable environments.
- Leaders with strong listening skills, the ability to mediate differences, and foster an environment of co-creation.
- People who are open to feedback and continually learning about inclusivity.
When Is Inclusive Leadership Most Effective?
Inclusive leadership is most effective in diverse environments or when addressing inequities within an organization. It helps foster belonging and innovation by ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute.
How to Build Inclusive Leadership Skills
- Rotate meeting facilitators to give everyone a platform to lead discussions.
- Use anonymous surveys to gather honest feedback on inclusivity and act on the results.
- Provide training on unconscious bias and inclusive practices.
5. Empathetic Leadership
Empathy is a cornerstone of modern leadership, enabling leaders to understand and address the emotional and psychological needs of their teams.
Characteristics
- Compassionate: Understands and cares about team members’ well-being.
- Supportive: Actively helps team members overcome personal and professional challenges.
- Understanding: Seeks to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect; works to move beyond role-to-role to person-to-person relationships.
Who Makes a Good Empathetic Leader?
- Leaders who are emotionally intelligent and value open communication.
- Those who are patient and willing to invest time in understanding others.
- Professionals in roles requiring a strong focus on team morale, such as HR or team management.
When Is Empathetic Leadership Most Effective?
Empathetic leadership is most effective in maintaining team morale during stressful periods or organizational change. It’s particularly valuable in mitigating burnout, building trust, and creating a supportive workplace culture.
How to Build Empathetic Leadership Skills
- Learn active listening techniques to truly understand employee concerns.
- Provide flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs and preferences.
- Regularly check in with team members to assess their emotional well-being.
6. Digital Leadership
As technology reshapes industries, digital leaders embrace AI, data-driven decision-making, and remote collaboration tools to stay ahead.
Characteristics
- Tech-Savvy: Understands and effectively uses emerging technologies.
- Data-Driven: Leverages analytics to make informed decisions.
- Innovative: Promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
Who Makes a Good Digital Leader?
- Individuals who are naturally curious and quick to learn new tools.
- Leaders who value innovation and understand the role of technology in scaling success.
- Professionals in tech-heavy industries or roles that require digital transformation.
When Is Digital Leadership Most Effective?
Digital leadership is most effective when an organization needs to adapt to technological changes or scale operations efficiently. It’s particularly valuable in industries experiencing digital disruption or seeking competitive advantages through innovation.
How to Build Digital Leadership Skills
- Offer training on emerging technologies to upskill your team.
- Use analytics tools to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Experiment with digital collaboration tools to optimize remote or hybrid work.
How to Find the Right Leadership Style for You
In the modern business world, effective leadership is not about adopting a single style – it’s about understanding your strengths, recognizing your team’s needs, and adapting to different situations. There’s not one perfect path to true leadership; successful leaders have to adapt to changing circumstances, self-reflection, and a shared vision to have a positive impact in today’s workplace. Here are some ideas of how to get started on identifying the best modern leadership styles for you, but the best thing you can do is work with an expert leadership coach who can provide personalized, one-on-one guidance.
Reflect on your strengths and values – what do you care about?
It may be helpful to start by writing down the principles that guide your decisions. Are you driven by innovation, collaboration, or empathy? Your values can point you toward management styles that feel authentic and are in areas where you can thrive. Also, assess your strengths – tests like the CliftonStrengths Assessment (formerly Gallup StrengthsFinder) can be helpful but you can also just reflect and do some self-discovery.
Expert Tip: Write down your thoughts! Journaling can be an excellent tool to help you think through your past, aspirations, strengths/weaknesses, motivations, and what kind of leader you want to be.
Observe and learn from others
If there are leaders around you who you admire, think about what about them resonates with you. Do they create a supportive environment and encourage collaboration? Do they help employees feel seen and valued? Do they work on fine-tuning their own leadership skills? The best leaders learn from other leaders.
If there are any with whom you have a good relationship, ask them for advice or shadowing opportunities. Mentorship can lead to valuable training opportunities.
Understand what your team needs
You can do this informally by having casual conversations with different people on the team or more formally, by using employee satisfaction surveys and direct feedback to understand what your team values most in their leader’s role. Do they prefer more direction and support or like to work autonomously?
Different employees, teams, and projects require different approaches. One good example is that creative teams typically thrive under more transformational leadership, while a high-stress project might benefit from more empathetic leadership. In the modern era, companies focus on so many different areas that many leaders need to learn how to wear different hats depending on what is needed at the time. Sometimes, team spirit is needed, other times business performance needs to be at the forefront. At the end of the day, agile leadership comes from understanding your team’s needs and adjusting accordingly.
Seek honest feedback
Relatedly, it’s important to regularly ask your team, peers, and managers how you can improve as a leader. Feedback is crucial to personal development because it shows a genuine concern for improvement. When you do get feedback, show that you value it by making tangible changes based on the insights you receive.
Use the resources around you
Often people underestimate the number and quality of resources they have available to them. There are tons of online leadership courses, books on modern leadership styles (and traditional leadership styles) and how to improve your skills, free videos, podcasts (such as the Qonversations podcast that I host) and so much more. In this evolving landscape, books and digital tools/resources can be a powerful way to continue growing.
Be authentic and consistent
Your leadership style should reflect who you genuinely are. While you can adapt to situations, your team will appreciate consistency in your principles and approach. Authenticity builds trust and fosters long-term success.
The Bottom Line
Leadership in a disrupted world is both challenging and full of opportunity. The workplace is evolving rapidly, with shifts driven by factors like remote work, generational differences, burnout, and technological advancements. To lead effectively, it’s crucial to embrace modern leadership principles, including adaptability, empathy, inclusivity, and transformational approaches. The key is to lead through relationships, focus on priorities, and continually develop your skills to meet the ever-changing demands of your team and industry. Remember, the most successful leaders don’t simply react to change – they thrive within it by remaining authentic, consistent, and forward-thinking.
Build Your Leadership Skills With the Help of an Expert
Navigating the complexities of modern leadership can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As an experienced leadership coach, I specialize in helping leaders like you overcome challenges, identify your strengths, and craft strategies that inspire your team and drive results. If you're ready to elevate your leadership skills and thrive in a disrupted world, let’s connect. Reach out today to schedule a free intro call to discuss your needs and goals.
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