Top Learning Priorities for Leaders

While change is always happening, the pandemic has brought about a pace that shows no signs of slowing down. It changed how we do our work, where we work, what tools we work with and changes in types of jobs.

According to a 2021 Financial Times Survey, it was identified that the top two learning priorities to emerge from the pandemic for organizations are: Leadership and Change Management. The report indicated that these skills would be critical for their leaders so they know how to teach. This new reality requires a new approach from leaders, as the workplace of yesterday is on the way out for the road ahead.

Leaders must view each employee individually and from a Holistic Perspective, recognizing that employees’ experiences go beyond work, so a shift in mindset is significant in achieving this goal.

An elevated level of Emotional Intelligence will be the attraction leaders need to move them forward. Self-awareness, empathy, humility, a growth mindset and having the ability to commit to noticing, articulating, and regulating emotions so that teams can do the same. Being an emotionally intelligent leader does not mean perfection, but starting to recognize, understand, and learn how one’s internal emotions influence external results, will be necessary.

There is no doubt that change can be difficult for organizations, particularly employees. Still, it does not have to be if leaders adopt an open mind and can provide a path, lead, and diligently work to ensure the organization’s success. A change leadership approach can become an opportunity to thrive, through a more human-centred, adaptive, and agile approach, for the road ahead.

Ultimately, change management is about strategic alignment and employees’ ability to align with the strategy, which requires influential leaders focused on aligning everyone with the change.

When an organization enters change management, it must consider every aspect of the structure required to support its strategy. It is the only way to implement lasting improvements.

The need for change leadership skills has never been more critical in addressing the demands and ever-changing landscape of the “New Normal.” The change will continue across the board, and organizations must be ready to lead their employees through change by first analyzing what needs to be changed.

In conclusion, organizations are charged with significant post-pandemic shifts in learning priorities for their leadership team, including leadership and change management.

Leaders will need to learn new methods and be prepared to unlearn and relearn ways of leading change more effectively. They will need to formulate their leadership strategy sooner rather than later by communicating the vision clearly and coherently to their employees for the road ahead.