For the last ten years, the LEAN methodology has gained in popularity. Companies that embrace it, regardless of their size or industry, can easily implement change, overcome complex or unexpected issues, and streamline their workflow, maximizing quality and reducing waste to a minimum.
When a company evolves from a traditional approach to LEAN, it must change its way of doing things and the leadership style of its executives and managers. Who are tomorrow’s Leaders? Let’s see…
Leaders, past to present day
Planning, organizing, optimizing, improving… Historically, society has been placing these business skills at the forefront. Of course, they are just as important today as they were then and will remain for several years ahead. However, soft skills are increasingly gaining importance and sought-after in leaders.
In a complex, ever-evolving environment, we can no longer rely only on specific skills. Instead, we must be able to detect the potential for success in leaders, a potential based on these 10 soft skills.
Humility
Tomorrow’s leaders know they do not hold the absolute truth and cannot overcome every arising challenge on their own. They will rely on collaborative management and involve team members in the thinking and decision-making process.
Curiosity
Curious by nature, tomorrow’s leaders are looking for any change that could affect the business. One of their biggest challenges is to seize opportunities to turn good ideas into concrete actions.
Agility
To deal with the unexpected, novelty, ambiguity and complexity, one needs to be agile, anticipating risks all while remaining flexible in finding solutions to manage them better.
In recent years, we have discussed the importance of thinking outside the box. That is no longer enough: we now have to think on multiple levels to find multiple solutions.
Mobilization
Leaders guide more than they direct. They rally their teams toward a common goal. It is that goal that will guide each action and decision.
Additionally, they will promote their team’s autonomy and accountability by encouraging its members to solve problems independently and take initiatives rather than simply give direct orders. They provide advice and direction when the situation requires it, but above all, they rely on their team’s skills, knowledge and experience to achieve the goals they set.
Communication
Tomorrow’s leaders are true communicators, able to show their vulnerability. Comfortable with various means of communication, they rely on digital communication to send their messages.
They communicate transparently and openly share information about the company’s vision, mission, values, objectives, performance and obstacles. This transparency favours an environment in which everyone is informed and understands their role and the impact of their work.
Proximity
True leaders know how to create and maintain relationships with their colleagues, collaborators, clients, and suppliers. They walk the field regularly to observe firsthand the operations, discuss with employees and understand their realities and challenges. That proximity will allow creating a trusting relationship, the very basis of the collaboration culture.
The multidimensionality of roles
Taking care of oneself has never been as important. Indeed, tomorrow’s leaders will nurture their bodies, minds and spirits to ensure they fulfil their various roles (professional, family, social), all while attempting to maintain balance.
Courage
Making difficult decisions, acting uncertainly, daring to tell the truth (instead of what others want to hear), and recognizing their mistakes… That demands a lot of courage!
Social responsibility
Although financial results remain crucial to a company’s health and growth, social responsibility is taking an increasingly important place. Tomorrow’s leaders will want their company to positively impact their employees, community, region, and environment.
Diversity
Cultural, ethnic, sexual, values, thinking diversity… Diversity is at the root of individual and collective successes. And tomorrow’s leaders are well aware of that. This is why they respect differences and surround themselves with complementary individuals who think differently than they do.
How does one learn soft skills?
Lean management, continuous improvement, a new CRM… Those are just some examples of the skills you can learn in various training courses and subsequently apply. But how does one become empathic and courageous? It starts with a good dose of humility. One must first observe oneself to recognize one’s strengths and weaknesses and tell oneself: “I may not be the best leader today, but I can (and want to) be.” And it is thanks to that desire to change and improve that every manager can become a true leader.
Tomorrow’s leaders know how to surround themselves with individuals who will help them evolve, such as a coach, a mentor, or a consultant, and take small steps every day that will bring them closer to their goals.
At Campus LEAN, we train Lean Six Sigma Black Belt executives and leaders who learn to build a strategic vision and understand their organization’s key issues to better guide their managers in achieving their strategic targets.
by Bernard Gagnon
Master Black Belt LEAN Six Sigma,
Professional Scrum Master PSM I
