Since the pandemic hit, work has definitely changed. Virtual offices are now the norm, supply chain issues are now more relevant, and concerns about workplace culture and social issues have become more prominent.

It’s become clearer than ever that workplaces need good leadership. Because of the pandemic, however, leadership has to step up to new standards. Below, we discuss some of the lessons post-pandemic leaders should have learned.

Understanding Social Issues

Surprisingly enough, one of the most common reasons for employee dissatisfaction is not that requests for raises or relocations are denied. It’s actually because many managers fail to understand why these requests are made in the first place.

The disconnect between employers and employees is starting to grow. Leaders that understand the city they live in and the issues their team members face are more likely to inspire loyalty and productivity. Taking the time to do a bit of research and being a good listener when speaking with an employee, is more important now than ever.

Being Up to Date with the Latest in Business Technology

When the first lockdowns started to take place, many companies had to switch from traditional workspaces to virtual offices in a matter of hours. Many employees felt lost and looked up to their managers for guidance, with mixed results.

The lesson we must learn here is that it’s better to stay current on new technologies. Managers should be aware of the platforms other companies are using and why, even if they seem like they will never be of use to your company. Zoom was relatively unknown until the pandemic hit but has now become an indispensable part of the working toolkit. Keeping an eye on new tech and productivity tools could make transitions to virtual work more painless.

Better Training and Skills

While being up to date with the latest technological platforms is a good way to stay ahead of the curve, there are a number of different ways in which the market can change. In order to stay prepared, post-pandemic leaders must accept that future challenges may require skills they don’t yet possess.

One option that leaders can choose is to go back to school. With remote work now the norm, remote learning is also here to stay. By taking an online degree in management and leadership, leaders can upskill and work at the same time due to the program being 100% coursework. On these courses they will build upon classic leadership skills like communication and team building. Further studies help leaders develop the ability to solve problems based on more recent real-world scenarios, including current trends like business data analytics and cybersecurity.

Listening to Every Voice

Higher management usually has the last word when it comes to decision-making, but that doesn’t mean employees shouldn’t have any input.

A true leader is not afraid of using their experience and knowledge to provide helpful insights to employees, but they should also be willing to listen to team members and address on-the-ground concerns. The best managerial choices are made based on the quality of information, and this can sometimes come from another manager or employee with a particularly different life experience.

New Leadership for a New Future

Being a leader requires keeping a company afloat under difficult circumstances. This is a complex endeavor that requires skills like empathy, critical thinking, and much more. The best leader is one that’s ready to listen, ready to improve, and ready to take action. In a post-pandemic era with businesses struggling to get back on their feet, those traits are more important than ever.

 

Written by Xyla Oaklee