As we approach the end of 2021, I thought it would be worthwhile to review the topics which have been most on the minds of leaders this year. According to DDI (Development Dimensions International, Inc.) the hottest leadership topic for 2021 has been employee wellbeing, achieved through more coaching conversations, setting realistic performance expectations, and helping to prioritize work. Here is a paper from the Centre for Economic Performance on “Employee Wellbeing, Productivity and Firm Performance” on the organizational benefits of focusing on employee wellbeing. Click the title to read it. With the difficulty retaining employees following the COVID lockdown, this should be obvious to organizations.
Mockup of a Padlet
The second hot topic is new tools to fuel a learning culture. This includes the explosion of video conferencing options like Zoom and Microsoft Teams as well as many other tools for sharing data via the Internet such as the game-based learning platform Kahoot, the interactive presentation software Mentimeter, and Padlet where you can create visual walls, canvases, grids and timelines on the web for your learners.
Diversity and Inclusion ranks #3 followed by artificial intelligence.
The whole list is available at https://www.ddiworld.com/blog/10-hot-leadership-topics-for-2021.
The global recruitment consulting company ABN adds creating a positive company culture and increased need for digital transformation to the priority list while the website LinkedIn contributes the topic recruitment and talent acquisition in the new world.
Several things are for sure to me. Business as usual is doomed to failure. We must embrace new technologies while focusing on acquiring and retaining talent. As Millennials become an increasing factor in the workforce, we will see a demand for flexible working conditions, independence and mobility. This needs to be a topic of conversation in leadership meetings and a topic for discussion with external coaches who are able to bring new ideas to the companies who wish to succeed in 2021 and beyond.
Expect video to play a greater role in internal and external business communication. Here is a report on the 6 Video Marketing Trends Expected in 2021.
You might want to read Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood) by Thomas Erikson or Mind of the Leader: How to Lead Yourself, Your People, and Your Organization for Extraordinary Results by Rasmus Hougaard.
- Herb