In years past businesses relied mostly on a few people at the top for leadership. However, in today’s fast-paced work environment, that old hierarchical model simply doesn’t work. Today’s workforce can be volatile and uncertain so it is necessary to have an entire network of leaders in order to reach success. One person simply does not have the time and resources to handle everything relating to their company’s performance, industry, and competitors. Therefore, it takes an entire team to accomplish these new modern business goals. Managers in the 21st century no longer see their employees as commodities, but rather assets who need to be nurtured and encouraged to share their skills, talents, and ideas. Let’s take a closer look at management styles for the 21st century organization.
The Servant
As the name implies, the servant-leader is servant first…meaning that they have a natural desire to serve others. Unlike managers who feel the need to assume power, servant managers make their employees’ needs their first priority and act as their mentor.. This is an important management style for the 21st century because millennials prefer to work for someone who takes a genuine interest in their personal and professional development.
Innovators
The term “innovation” has become one of the most popular buzzwords in the modern business world. Innovators are those who formulate new ideas and see them through from development to implementation. These managers are the big picture thinkers who are willing to take risks and shake things up in order to achieve their desired outcome. They like to incorporate new ideas and when things aren’t working, they are the first ones to try and find something new that does.
Charismatic Leadership
The millennial workforce wants a manager who believes in and is committed to their cause. These managers are skilled communicators who have the ability to share their vision with others. They have a “let’s do this together” mentality and they inspire others through their own passion. They are often visionaries, but they rely on those around them to execute their big ideas and get the job done.
Laissez-Faire
Laissez-Faire leadership is also known as delegative leadership. Unlike traditional management styles in which the manager takes the reins, laissez-faire managers are hands-off and allow their team members to make decisions. These managers are typically excellent communicators and know how to share their vision. Rather than take the lead in projects, they prefer to equip their employees with the tools they need to get the job done on their own. This type of management style empowers employees to be self-motivated, but it can be a challenge for those who require more guidance and direct mentorship.
Pacesetters
These visionary leaders look to set the pace for their entire organization and they have high expectations for themselves and their employees. They lead by example and don’t ask anyone to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves. However, their drive to achieve results at a faster pace does not work for everyone. Pacesetters are great managers for those who thrive under immense pressure, are self-motivated, and require little direction and guidance.