Collaborative Leadership, the Culture of Today’s Workplace
The economic structures have collapsed and the world is trying to adapt to change. The unique leadership styles that were previously effective in the past are now seen to be inadequate and perhaps irrelevant for this generation. In the Industrial age, authority was mainly aristocratic, hierarchical and definitely reliant on a leader whom is in control. The leader held the reins, controlled the system and had all the access to information. The route to leadership for the average worker was hard work with hope of recognition, rewards and promotion.
However, due to the rapidly changing social and business structures that have occurred because of the Internet which makes information accessible to everybody, the hierarchical and authoritarian way of leadership is no longer sufficient. Both the private and public sectors now recognize that leadership needs to be approached differently to adapt to the changing times and complex issues of the workplace today. Collaboration is needed to replace the previous linear workflow. The only way forward is collaborative leadership
Let us examine collaborative leadership, and how it responds to change. Obviously organizations must go with the flow of change and take a lead, It is necessary for leadership today to create a collaborative culture in organizations, rather than the leader providing all the answers and direction. When the workers in the organization feel trusted and appreciated, ideas will flow freely in a culture of openness and transparency.. Ideas can be generated with the best minds and right talent put together. Rather than depending on just the perspective of the leader, it is more effective to combine the resources, efforts and ideas of several committed team members. Instead of being authoritarian and in total control, a leader can facilitate open exchange of ideas and encourage collaboration. This will provide the venue for creative discussion and sharing of solutions plus maximum participation from everyone.
The present generation in the workforce want the opportunity to share their ideas, and demonstrate their leadership potential. By listening to everyone’s perspective, a leader can boost the morale of the team. By understanding and acknowledging the strengths of everyone, the best ideas can be drawn out. In doing so, a new way of operating is created – working collaboratively – and this will ensure business results.
Leaders find will themselves at a crossroads – they need to choose when to lead and when to relinquish control to encourage everyone to collaborate. When facing that choice, be aware that changing leadership styles is not easy, and cannot be achieved overnight. The solution for recovery from the economic crisis faced at this time, can only be found through working and leading collaboratively. Ultimately the value of creating a culture of collaboration will be worth the effort.
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