Talent Conference Australasian 2010
FUTURE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Overview of presentation by Kevin Wheeler, keynote speaker* by Jane Kennelly, June 2010
In this keenly anticipated presentation, Kevin Wheeler outlined a strong case highlighting the change needed in leadership attributes. According to Wheeler, the traditional views of leadership; individual, serial, functional, control, emotionless, suited to the manufacturing world, works when turnover is low. This style is being fully challenged in our current complex environments.
Given recent events in the world (BP Oil leak catastrophe, Yahoo vs. China, terrorism) Wheeler stated his views on the attributes needed for successful leadership in today’s world. And it was compelling stuff.
Emerging Leadership
According to Wheeler; because the world scene is changing so quickly, so too are the qualities needed for successful leadership. A far cry from the traditional stance, in its place we are seeing:
- Concurrent leadership – co-leading at the same time
- Collaborative – sharing ideas, collective decisions
- Emotion is allowed – compassion, personalised based on individual needs and desires.
New Concepts
‘Leader-full’ was the term Wheeler used to describe the new concept of leadership.
The new leader is: analytical, flexible and adaptable, emotionally intelligent, multi-skilled, a good listener, a consensus builder, open and transparent, able to set context. The following key areas apply:
- Dealing with ambiguity – simulations, scenario planning, leveraging social networks, portals of information
- Dealing with Complexity – learning how to simplify things, leverage group knowledge, identify mentors/coaches who can be accessed to assist
- Dealing with Interdependencies – cultural compassion, collaboration, building alliances
- Fostering creativity - explore and experiment, being open to the new and different, building diversity into everything
- Challenging assumptions – getting rid of limitations around budget, planning, deadlines and rules to do whatever works within ethical principles.
New Focus
Inspired by John Hagel’s book “The Power of Pull”, the new focus will be around amplifying individuals and helping them to reach their full potential through:
- Social networks – forum for generating ideas and learning
- Mentoring – asking experts questions and learning from their experiences
- Leadership Development – community conversations, custom insight, collaborative, relevant rules, viral leverage
- Portals – simulations, video scenarios, discussion groups, on-demand learning
The information Wheeler conveyed resonated strongly with the audience. Using the complex situation with BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico [considering the huge array of stakeholders involved and the fact no solution was immediately evident at that stage] it was clear to see why the traditional leadership skills are not only under change, but should change.
What’s Coming?
New trends to look out for:
- Tribal Teams – Generation Y collaborations
- Leadership Evolution – towards this way of thinking and working
- Small & Outsourced organisations
- Femanite Leadership – “Age of Women”
FOOT NOTE:
An example of the need for change in the way leaders deal with problems was evidenced by the media reporting an offer of help made to BP Oil by James Cameron, moviemaker** in June 2010.
The film director has helped develop deep-sea submersible equipment and other underwater ocean technology for the making of documentaries exploring the wrecks of the ocean liner Titanic and the German battleship ‘Bismark’ some two miles below the surface. [The BP oil spill off the U.S. Gulf Coast is located a mile below the surface]
“I know really, really, really smart people that work typically at depths much greater than what that well is at,” Cameron said.
While acknowledging that his contacts in the deep-sea industry do not drill for oil, Cameron said that they are accustomed to operating various underwater vehicles and electronic optical fiber systems.
“Most importantly,” he added, “they know the engineering that it requires to get something done at that depth.”
Cameron had this to say at the All Things Digital technology conference: “Over the last few weeks I’ve watched, as we all have, with growing horror and heartache, watching what’s happening in the Gulf and thinking those morons don’t know what they’re doing,” Cameron said.
His offer of help was declined.
* Kevin Wheeler: President, Founder Global learning resources, Inc. ATC Founder and Director
** Article: Yahoo News! “Director James Cameron says BP turned down help offer” by Alexei Oreskovic June 3 2010
