Evolution of Leadership in Changing Times

The only thing constant is change, so you have to learn to embrace it.

Typically, classic leadership styles fall into three broad categories – autocratic, laissez-faire and democratic. The autocratic leader is authoritative in nature. He holds the power of decision-making with himself and largely believes in handing out orders, to be followed strictly. Whereas, the laissez-faire leader believes in non-interference gives free rein to his people, letting them work out problems and take decision on their own.

Over the years, it was realized that both these leaders are on the extreme end of the spectrum. There needed a balance. And, that’s how the democratic leadership took over to balance the both. Such type of leader encourages his team to participate in decision-making while providing them the right direction as and when required.

But, then some argued that neither of these styles are right or wrong. It depends on how and when you use them. Then, the business world witnessed emergence of situational leadership which called for using any style as the situation demands.

However, the speed at which the world is dynamically changing, there was a need for a leadership style which could lead the change effectively, foster collaboration and drive a culture of innovation. The transformational leadership was thus born. Its main purpose was to breed change in organizations by taking followers, along through power sharing. Hence, it is also often termed as shared leadership.

The leadership has gradually evolved into a phenomenon which requires leaders to become the followers of their followers if the need may be, and also mentor or empowers others to become next-generation leaders. Today, leadership is not about seizing power, but sharing it with others to meet the new age challenges and accomplish goals in the highly fierce competitive market.

Transformational leadership is also about anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, taking proactive actions and being adaptive to the situations. In a nutshell, today’s leadership is all about handling complex changes by sharing decision making, responsibility and credit with teams.

 

About the Author: The article is contributed by Amit Dua – Co-Founder and CEO at Signity Solutions and ValueAppz