We’re two and a half years into the COVID-19 pandemic, for better or for worse. We’ve made it through the challenging quarantining period and back into the workplace, whether physically in the workplace or working remotely. Through that, however, we’ve learned that how we lead our employees has to change dramatically, as how we as a society have changed how we look at work. Here are some leadership qualities that you should adopt when leading in a post-pandemic climate.
Authenticity
We’re no longer in a time where reading in between the lines is something that’s okay. However, leaders must acknowledge that they’re not some all-powerful, all-knowing being who always makes the right decisions. You’re going to need to become more vulnerable in order to lead well. This vulnerability will come from your understanding and taking responsibility for when, not if, you make mistakes. Becoming a more authentic leader also helps you humanize yourself to your employees– this allows you to become more approachable and relatable, forging a better relationship with the people you work with.
Humility
Building off of authenticity, humility is another essential part of being a leader today. Part of humility in leadership is a leader’s ability to be open to hearing and accepting constructive criticism so that they can improve. This may be a new, weird feeling, but accepting feedback from your team members and colleagues is essential to growing.
Empathy
Having empathy is probably one of the most important parts of being a leader in today’s day and age. Empathy is better known as the ability to relate to others’ thoughts and feelings by putting yourself in their shoes. This will help you as a leader because you will constantly be learning more about the people you work with, the environment you work in, and yourself. Being an empathetic leader helps you become more relatable to the people you work with and even enables you to forge a better relationship with them. Your team members feel safer telling you the truth, so there’s more transparency in the workplace.
Compassion
Compassion is another essential part of being a leader today. We’re in a day and age where mental health is being talked about at length, and actions are being taken to take it more seriously. Being a leader with compassion means that when you see an employee struggling, you do what you can to help relieve that stress. This is different from empathy because you’re not just feeling what your colleagues are feeling; you’re doing something about it. As your team members see that you care both about their work and their personal health, they’ll become more engaged and committed to the work that they do.