SMEs : The Shift Towards Engagement and Input: Navigating Leadership in the Modern Workplace

Leadership is undergoing a transformation in today's organizations. The traditional top-down approach is no longer prevalent. Instead, there is a shift towards "leadership by consent." This change can largely be attributed to the rise of social media and platforms like Glassdoor, which have increased transparency and accountability in the business world. However, it is crucial to note that the celebrity leaders showcased on TV shows do not represent the norm or serve as role models.

In the modern workplace, leaders who resort to shouting and yelling not only put themselves at risk of humiliation but also reflect poorly on their organizations. This is particularly true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) where there is no room to hide. Leaders cannot simply address their staff once a year and retreat to their offices. Employees closely observe their interactions, behaviour, and how they handle both positives and negatives.

Today's employees understand that leaders are not expected to have all the answers in every situation. They acknowledge that leaders are humans operating in complex business environments, and they are allowed to make mistakes. However, leaders are also expected to demonstrate humility by admitting and taking ownership of their mistakes, even though it may be challenging at times.

The new style of leadership, which emphasizes engagement, is better suited for today's workforce. The old-style leaders who barked orders without considering the input of their employees failed to achieve meaningful levels of engagement. On the other hand, the new leaders realize the importance of early involvement and communication with their staff when implementing business initiatives. This approach ensures early buy-in, effective communication, and the ability to incorporate quick changes in the planning stage.

However, it is important to distinguish leadership by consent from decision-making by committee. Seeking views and input from employees is valuable, but it should not be mistaken for seeking consensus. Decision-making by committee often results in poor outcomes, as the saying goes, "A camel is a horse designed by a committee." Business leaders need to strike a balance by maximizing access to relevant information and diverse perspectives while making efficient decisions.

In one example, the company considered involving employees in naming new offices. Despite having their own preferred name, they decided to gather input from employees. Ultimately, the company realized that their original idea was the best, but the process of seeking input and considering alternatives was valuable.

In another example, the company implemented a rule prohibiting staff from eating lunch at their desks. This decision was driven by aesthetic considerations and concerns for employee health and safety. The company conducted a survey to gather employee views on the rule, and while there were mixed opinions, the rule was eventually implemented and proved beneficial in fostering better relationships among staff members.

In conclusion, leadership styles have evolved to prioritize engagement and input from employees. However, leaders must navigate the fine line between seeking input and decision-making by committee. Effective leaders value diversity of thought while maintaining efficiency in the decision-making process.

The above content is from "Mastering Small Business Employee Engagement: 30 Quick Wins & HR Hacks from an IIP Platinum Employer" by Barry Phillips and Jayne Gallagher which is available from Amazon

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