The new leader

Its characteristics and its role in the new normal

We are entering a new era, where our lives are undergoing changes. We are living through difficult times marked by uncertainty and instability. Health is under threat, the economy has been hit hard, and free development is restricted. Adapting is essential, and working on new ideas in the workplace is crucial, because the world now has new rules for living and interacting.

You, as a business owner who has long run your business in a particular way, must understand that the challenge now is to leave behind those old patterns and develop an inspiring, motivating personality that earns your team's commitment, giving them the strength and willingness to work within the new normal.

Not everyone becomes more productive working from home; some find it harder to be resourceful and proactive in the face of unexpected situations. That's why those who have staff under their charge must implement strategies that drive their teams forward, to ensure the effectiveness of the business.

In this new economic and social situation, we need leaders capable of going beyond the business realm and developing their mindful side—that is, people with full, complete awareness of the present moment. Leaders who can turn their teams into people grounded in useful thinking applied to their work.

That's why the new leader must be made up of the following characteristics:

• Empathetic. Set aside the “hierarchical” style and stay closer to your human team, in order to meet work goals.
• Innovative. Openness to and good handling of technological tools (social media, apps, etc.), and the ability to adapt duties and tasks to the new digitized model.
• Enthusiastic. Being a leader who encourages others and values the creative potential of their team. New ideas can be the key that opens new doors.
• Qualitative. Thinking more about quality than quantity. Setting aside the bossy office-chief attitude and instead supporting ideas that improve the quality of the company's services or products.
• Communicative. Holding regular video meetings where progress can be monitored and the experiences of each member of the team can be heard.

These characteristics make up the modern leader, who is, ultimately, a professional who involves the entire team in designing solutions and uses data to evaluate their choices and inform the next steps to take.

Today, customers choose how, when, and where to make their purchases. And you, as a leader, must intelligently pay attention to those changes and stay one step ahead. Take on the mantle of the new leader and be the one who rescues your own business.