Leadership development is a crucial aspect of organizational success, especially in today’s rapidly changing hybrid work environment. The pandemic ripped the band-aid off for many organizations that were resisting a hybrid work environment that combines both in-person and remote work. Many organizations now need to rethink their leadership development strategy, including approaches to development and shifting priorities. In this article, we take a look at the WHAT – the critical skills needed; the WHY – the importance of leadership development in a hybrid workplace; and the HOW – the approaches and techniques for developing leaders in today’s hybrid work environment.
5 Leadership Skills Every Organization Needs to Focus On:
- Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage and effectively express emotions. Emotional intelligence helps leaders to connect with their team, understand their emotions and make decisions that are in the best interest of their team and organization.
- Interpersonal Skills: Skills like effective communication, empathy, and collaboration are becoming increasingly important for leaders. Companies are investing in training in these areas to help leaders to connect with their team and improve team dynamics.
- Individualized Development: Leaders are looking for personalized development programs that cater to their specific needs, goals, and preferences. These programs help leaders to focus on the areas where they need the most improvement and provide them with targeted support and resources.
- Focus on Well-Being: Mindfulness and well-being have become important aspects of leadership development. Leaders are being encouraged to prioritize their mental and physical health, which in turn helps them to make better decisions and lead their teams more effectively.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Organizations are placing a greater emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in their leadership development programs. Leaders are being developed to understand the importance of creating inclusive environments and mindsets.
By focusing on emotional intelligence, soft skills, individualized development, well-being, and DE&I, leaders can continue to develop and improve their abilities. While today’s technology made the transition easier, the shift has brought about new challenges and opportunities for leadership in a hybrid workplace, making it even more critical for organizations to invest in the development of their leaders.
The Importance of Hybrid Leadership Training
Being an effective communicator, collaborating, leading change, and ensuring accountability are essential leadership competencies. However, the way leaders execute these things can look very different than when they don’t have the same degree of facetime with their teams. In a hybrid workplace, leaders are tasked with managing remote and in-person employees, each of whom may have different needs and challenges. They must also be able to perform effectively with teams that may be spread across different time zones and locations.
There are several approaches to hybrid leadership training and development that organizations can use to equip their leaders with the skills they need to succeed in a hybrid workplace. Some of the most effective approaches include:
- Formal training programs: Formal training programs, such as leadership workshops, webinars, and online courses, can provide leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively lead their teams in a hybrid workplace. These programs can cover a wide range of topics, including communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and time management.
- Coaching and mentorship: Coaching and mentorship programs can provide leaders with the support and guidance they need to succeed in their roles. These programs can help leaders identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop their skills, and get feedback on their performance. They can also provide leaders with a network of peers and mentors who can offer advice and support.
- On-the-job learning opportunities: On-the-job learning opportunities, such as shadowing, job rotation, stretch assignments, and cross-functional projects, can provide leaders with real-world experience and exposure to new skills and perspectives. These opportunities can help leaders develop their leadership muscles in a practical and relevant way.
- 360-degree feedback: 360-degree feedback is a technique that allows leaders to receive feedback from their colleagues, subordinates, and superiors. This feedback can help them identify key areas needed for development and potential blind spots.
Moreover, leaders in a hybrid workplace must also be able to adapt to new technology and processes, as well as be able to effectively balance the needs of both remote and in-person employees. Additionally, they must be able to foster a positive workplace culture and create a sense of unity and belonging among their team members. All these challenges require leaders to have a set of skills that are different from what they may have been accustomed to in a traditional office environment.
5 Ways to Develop Leaders in a Hybrid Workplace
- Provide formal training: Formal training programs can help leaders develop the skills and competencies they need to succeed in a hybrid workplace. This can include workshops, webinars, or online courses that cover topics such as remote management, collaboration, team development, and relationship building.
- Offer coaching and mentoring: Coaching and mentoring can be an effective way for leaders to receive individualized support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of a hybrid workplace. This can include one-on-one sessions with a mentor or coach, or peer-to-peer mentoring programs.
- Encourage collaboration and communication: Encouraging collaboration and communication among team members, regardless of location, is key to success in a hybrid workplace. This can include using virtual collaboration tools, hosting virtual team-building activities, and encouraging open communication channels among team members.
- Foster a positive workplace culture: Fostering a positive workplace culture is critical to keeping remote and in-person employees engaged and motivated. This can include regularly communicating company values and goals, recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions, and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Emphasize adaptability and flexibility: Leaders in a hybrid workplace must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new technology and processes. Encouraging leaders to embrace new tools and techniques, and providing opportunities for continuous learning, can help them stay up-to-date and prepared for today’s challenges.
Leaders will determine the success or failure of a hybrid workplace, and successful companies are taking action to ensure their leaders have the skills and mindset to effectively manage a hybrid team. In working with such companies, we’ve found their leaders have a positive impact on employee engagement and performance and give their organization a huge competitive advantage.
Mark Saddic
Vice President, Consulting
CCI Consulting
