Charles Darwin once stated, “It’s not the fastest or strongest that survive. It’s the ones most adaptive to change.” While the well-known naturalist and scientist was referencing species in the woods, his profound words reflect yet another evolving environment: The world of leadership.
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Charles Darwin once stated, “It's not the fastest or strongest that survive. It's the ones most adaptive to change.” While the well-known naturalist and scientist was referencing species in the woods, his profound words reflect yet another evolving environment: The world of leadership.
Consider the last time you had a conflict within your organization. It is likely that at some point during this disruption, communication may have been at issue; either the way it was delivered or how it was received. The mark of a true leader is to foster an environment where effective communication is weaved into the very fabric of organizational culture.
Leadership is not about whom, but how. In other words, it is not the person delivering the message or direction for the organization, but how that message is delivered, and, more importantly, how it is received. True leaders do not create followers, but instead they create more leaders, and the core of this is through open, honest and engaging communication through all levels within the organization.
A good leader understands that the strength and effectiveness of an organization lies in its many parts that come together with a sense of shared ownership, thus creating an environment where goals are met and morale is strong.
Today more than ever, most work settings are in a constant state of transition. Changes and disruptions take place every day in the work place, and the most effective leaders are the ones who can navigate change, while motivating and inspiring.
Changes for the better within an organization — new leadership, upgraded technology, leaner operations — are often extremely uncomfortable for employees, but it is the leaders within these organizations who must navigate through these bumps in the road while remaining steady and continuing to accomplish key strategic goals and objectives. The best leaders never waver from their vision, hard work and leveraging opportunities that move toward sustainable change for generations.
Finally, diversity offers a competitive advantage for all organizations. An effective leader embraces diversity — diversity of gender, age, ideas and culture — which creates a melting pot of input from employees. Not all ideas come to fruition, but the organization feels engaged in the process of success, and employees feel a sense of ownership and accountability that allows them to shine within their role. It is a win-win for everyone.
Times are changing in our business world. We see it every day. New technology disrupts organizations, often taking one step backwards to take multiple steps towards utopia. Some of our workforce is aging out into retirement, taking with them generations of ideas on leadership and success, while fresh, new faces begin to enter decision-making roles with different perspectives and strategies.
The trend of change appears to be permanent. Economic ups and downs make decisions even more impactful, constant changes to the political landscape influence the way we do business on a day-to-day basis, and organizational structures are evolving to increase revenue streams and build brands.
Zappos, the online shoe and clothing shop, has gone so far as to create a holacratic organization, with no titles, no managers and no hierarchy. Everyone is empowered to be a leader.
There are different styles and approaches to being an effective leader. For me, it has always been about working hard, being a team player and taking risks. That has led me to where I am today.
But whatever the approach, everyone must be responsible for her and his own work and accountable to each other and the team. In that way, everyone can be a leader.
Join the MetroHartford Alliance Nov. 29 for its annual Rising Star Breakfast in partnership with The Hartford. This year's theme is “Leading the Change: Changing the Lead,” which will feature a panel discussion with three prominent leaders, each of whom will address leadership strategies, working in an environment with change and disruptors, and looking ahead to the future of leadership and innovation. For more information and to register, visit www.metrohartford.com.
Nancy Wheeler is the senior vice president and executive director of investor relations at the MetroHartford Alliance.
