Written by: Vanita Lee-Tatum, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The pandemic changed everything about the work industry. The rise of the hybrid workplace is the biggest shift that is now accepted as a new normal. While it remains debatable whether this is the future of work, all we can do is pull our socks up, improve our skills, and stay consistent.
Today, let's talk about leadership skills. Leadership instinct is believed to fast-track our career success. That being said, you don't have to be a manager to be a leader. No matter what designation or profile you hold in your company or organization, your approach toward leadership qualities is one of the major factors to decide the future of your career.
Continuing with work-from-home schedules or returning to work in person, whichever is your situation, it's essential to pursue the same willingness to "pivot" as we did at the onset of the pandemic.
Here are the top five leadership skills needed to thrive in a hybrid business environment (or any workplace setup):
Success Mindset:
Famous writer Dale Carnegie perfectly said: "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who had kept on trying when there seemed no hope at all." Those passionate about making things happen are typically the most enthusiastic people in the room. They see possibility in every situation. People with a success mindset can quickly adapt to change in the workplace. In a hybrid business environment, an infectiously positive attitude not only makes you an ideal team member but overall impacts the growth of the team. So, with a positive attitude and success mindset, you can show your clients and your team just how seamless everything can be.
Communication:
There's a reason why "excellent communication skills" are mentioned in every job description. Communication is vital in the workplace. For all those who have returned or are returning to work in person, utilize the skills you developed while working from home articulating requests and clarifying needs virtually, without the convenience of face-to-face human interaction. Do not forget that the most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said, so keep lines of communication open. For that, be willing to continue listening and understanding the capabilities of the people you work with and serve.
Flexibility:
So many things have changed over the past 2+ years. The companies that rolled with the changes amidst the pandemic not only survived but thrived during tough times. The same applies to professional individuals. Those who developed professional flexibility could maintain ease with their physical and mental health while continuing quality performance. While returning to work in person, remain flexible and adaptable to change each day. Always be ready to shift gears on demand to ensure you remain competitive and relevant.
Creativity:
Find creative ways to connect with the community and add value by developing relationships. Host an in-person coffee date and share the option to join virtually, so you never miss the opportunity to connect. An open platform could be created where people are encouraged to share knowledge and experiences. Motivate each other to spark newness in daily routines.
Humor (that's right!):
Change is good, but not everyone has adjusted. You're at the head of the class, so help others relax while enjoying doing business with you by keeping interactions lighthearted and telling a joke or two. An easygoing work environment can boost overall team spirit and efficiency. Not to forget, there's a thin line between what's funny and what's not, so pay attention to the fact that your humor should not divide you from your co-workers.
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Vanita Lee-Tatum, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Vanita Lee-Tatum is a world-class business developer and strategy consultant, specializing in helping organizations and individuals grow their business potential. Drawing on her own experience as an entrepreneur and her financial skills honed as VP of Banking, Vanita inspires and ignites business owners to create financial growth by teaching them the business development skills needed to flourish. Dedicated to making an impact by sharing her knowledge and expertise to encourage business owners and entrepreneurs of all types, Vanita is a positive force of nature who clients and partners enjoy collaborating with.
