5 Sure Fire Ways to Grow Workplace Leadership in 2021

Remain Employee Focused

Throughout the pandemic, many businesses and organizations were forced to switch focus from customer to employee. This is a good thing! Our people needed our assurances, had concerns professionally and personally and, like you, had their world turned inside out. In 2021, business growth and leadership will benefit greatly by continuing to be employee focused. 

Staff will benefit with regular updates and information as we did when March of 2020 showed us our collective new reality. I’m an optimist. Having presented at 30+ virtual events this year I learned from people all over the globe what really mattered to them. Health, safety and regular communications from top leaders was most important. We should continue this trend because our employees deserve it, they want it and your business will benefit from it.

One on ones 

These will remain a staple in 2021 as leaders focus on communications with individuals first and team second. This leadership style enables staff to feel important, engaged and promotes stronger connections. This leads to higher productivity and retention. A win-win of sorts.

Flexibility

This will remain essential in 2021. This includes remote work, home schooling and hybrid work environments. This comes from those in top leadership positions and is essential in assisting staff as we continue to navigate a post-pandemic outlook.

The year will be better; however, adjustments professionally and personally will take time. Organizations and businesses that get this will have a distinct advantage in attracting, retaining and motivating staff. Sales will grow along with higher productivity.

We’re Tired, You’re Tired

Perhaps exhausted, spent, toast, checked out as well. The enormity of the pandemic locally, nationally and around the globe is staggering. Leaders have put in extra time; staff have clocked more hours and some folks never learned how to pace themselves when working remotely.

Meetings in 2021 will continue to be virtual and experts are predicting that going back to the workplace full time may take until 2022 and beyond. I encourage leadership to recognize that folks are going to handle the changes that have occurred and will continue to develop as best as they can.

However, we’ll need to be aware that staff need assurances, job security, a virtual pat on the back and even a small gesture for hanging in there. A gift card, a day off, a bonus, a hand-written note – any token of appreciation is positive and often appreciated.

Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy

Make no mistake, my friends 2021 is going to be exciting, challenging and rewarding. However, we’re coming off of a year that was beyond difficult. No matter your age or generation, you felt the blows that came from out of nowhere and changed a lot.