Navigating Leadership In A World Of Change: Insights From Liz Wiseman

Understanding the nuances of leadership while embracing innovative approaches is crucial. In a recent conversation with Liz Wiseman, a renowned researcher, Thinkers50 leading thinker, and executive advisor who teaches leadership to top organizations worldwide, I gained invaluable insights into several key components of an improved leadership style for today’s world.

Wiseman, the author of New York Times bestsellers “Multipliers” and “The Multiplier Effect,” as well as Wall Street Journal bestsellers “Rookie Smarts” and “Impact Players,” brings forward insights that resonate more than ever in our current corporate environment. Our conversation delved into these principles, exploring the complexities and responsibilities of modern leadership.

She defines ‘Multipliers’ as leaders “who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them.” This redefines leadership from a command-and-control model to one that values and magnifies collective intelligence. In an era of unprecedented change and uncertainty, the ability to harness and enhance the collective capabilities of a team is what distinguishes truly effective leaders.

Wiseman also sheds light on ‘Accidental Diminishers,’ well-intentioned leaders who inadvertently suppress the potential of their teams. She clarifies, “The accidental diminisher isn’t the narcissist… it’s the leader who’s a little too helpful, a little too supportive.” Her point emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, particularly in challenging times like the pandemic.

The nuanced approach to challenges in leadership is another vital aspect Wiseman discusses. She underscores the importance of “Creating just enough pressure to provoke learning and growth,” illustrating the delicate balance leaders must maintain. As we experienced during the pandemic and in this post-pandemic era, calibrating challenges is essential. Leaders must navigate the fine line between stimulating growth and innovation and avoiding overwhelming stress or unrealistic expectations.

On empathy in leadership, Wiseman reflects on her pandemic experience, “I absorbed that burden for people… but then I’m not doing it necessarily joyfully anymore.” This demonstrates the need for leaders to strike a balance between empathy and allowing teams to face and grow through challenges.

Addressing the prevalent issue of burnout, Wiseman astutely observes, “Both overwork and under-utilization lead to burnout.” Her insight highlights the need for leaders to manage team workload effectively. It’s not only the intensity of work that leads to exhaustion but also the lack of meaningful engagement and under-utilization of skills. Therefore, effective leadership involves creating an environment where challenges are stimulating and tasks are aligned with individual capabilities, ensuring each team member feels as though they are valued and possibly even ‘blooming.’

Wiseman also offers invaluable insights on resilience, especially relevant in today’s fast-paced and changing environment. She emphasizes the importance of building resilience within teams, not just individuals. “It’s about leading a team that can brilliantly navigate uncertainty and ambiguity together,” she notes. It marks a shift from traditional leadership models, focusing instead on cultivating a collective capacity to adapt, learn, and grow from challenges—a culture where setbacks get viewed as learning opportunities and the team’s adaptability to change is continuously nurtured.

Leaders continue to face the challenge of transitioning from pandemic-era working styles to new norms. In this context, Wiseman offers a compelling metaphor, comparing this transition to a realization akin to that in the film “Planet of the Apes”—there’s no going back to the old world. “There’s just figuring out how to move forward,” she states.

How particularly poignant is this for today’s leaders, tasked with guiding their teams through uncertainty and co-creating new practices that align with the evolved needs of the workforce? Very.

Wiseman also underscores the importance of not relying solely on leaders for answers. After all, they do not have all the answers. She advocates for a collaborative approach to problem-solving, where leaders facilitate rather than dictate the process. Think of it more as a ‘guide on the side’ mentality. This line of leadership thinking is crucial for adapting to new workplace norms and fostering a culture of innovation and shared responsibility.

Liz Wiseman’s insights offer a practical guide for today’s leadership. Her principles, emphasizing the balance of challenges, fostering resilience, and redefining workplace norms, provide a blueprint for leadership that is both effective and empathetic. As leaders, by integrating these principles into our leadership style, we pave the way for our organizations (or teams) to be successful, adaptable, engaged, and well-equipped for future challenges.

Watch the full interview with Liz Wiseman and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen to it on your favorite podcast.

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Order my new book Work-Life Bloom: How to Nurture a Team That Flourishes, (You won’t want to miss digging in. After all, employee engagement is a myth.)