The Future is Now: Leading with Insight, Foresight, and Purpose

Standing at the brink of rapid societal change, we are at a historic juncture. As leaders, the choices we make today will shape our collective future. We are grappling with rising inflation, deep-seated inequalities, and escalating living costs, all of which underscore the urgency of our mission. Moreover, the relentless pace and high-stress environment in industries like financial services are leading to an alarming rise in health concerns. Against this backdrop, we need transformational leadership that is not just resilient but visionary, insightful, and proactive.

Reflecting on these pressing matters at a recent breakfast held by the FirstRand group, a distinguished panel explored pressing questions about our role in these transformative times. Informed by their insights, this article explores practical ways to bridge the 'knowing-doing' gap, align words with actions, foster quality relationships, and lead from the emerging future.

Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap

Legendary writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." Leaders today grapple with this reality. We're often rich in knowledge but poor in action, marking the vast expanse of the 'knowing-doing' gap.

Leaders can create an environment that encourages learning and experimentation. By promoting a culture that sees failures as opportunities for learning rather than setbacks, we can inspire teams to transform ideas into actions. Regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, or 'innovation labs' can provide platforms for team members to express their ideas and transform them into actionable strategies. As Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, highlights in his book "Hit Refresh," "Listening was the most important thing I accomplished each day because it would build the foundation of leadership for years to come."

Why: In the context of Theory U, moving from knowing (understanding and sensing) to doing (prototyping and performing) is vital for innovation and progress. A leader's role includes transforming insights into tangible actions that drive growth.

What: Leaders can create an environment that encourages learning and experimentation. This includes promoting a culture that sees failures as opportunities for learning rather than as setbacks.

How: Regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, or 'innovation labs' can provide platforms for team members to express their ideas and transform them into actionable strategies. Additionally, providing supportive feedback and celebrating small wins can motivate team members to take initiative and act on their ideas.

Aligning Words and Actions

Integrity is a crucial pillar of successful leadership, resting on the alignment of words and actions. When leaders’ words mirror their deeds, it instils a sense of reliability and authenticity, fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect. Leaders must regularly communicate with their teams, acknowledge deviations from stated intentions openly, and take corrective measures when necessary. As the wise Benjamin Franklin said, "Well done is better than well said."

Why: Authenticity and integrity are key to gaining the trust of your team. When words align with actions, it promotes transparency and creates a sense of reliability and consistency.

What: Leaders must ensure their actions mirror their words, fostering an atmosphere of trust and respect.

How: Regular communication is essential. Leaders can hold weekly team meetings or one-on-one sessions to discuss progress, address issues, and align team actions with collective goals. Openly acknowledging when actions have deviated from stated intentions, and taking corrective measures, can also enhance credibility.

Fostering Quality Relationships

Thomas Hübl captures the essence of quality relationships, stating, "When we begin to see each other in our essence rather than through our filters, true community can begin to form." Leaders have a crucial role in nurturing such relationships. By creating an inclusive environment that values empathy, trust, and open dialogue, leaders can foster strong, cohesive teams ready to navigate challenges and adapt to change. Team-building activities and open forums for discussion can be instrumental in promoting such relationships.

Why: High-quality relationships foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. These relationships form the basis for strong, cohesive teams that can effectively navigate challenges and adapt to change.

What: Leaders can nurture a culture that values empathy, trust, and open dialogue, thus promoting quality relationships.

How: Implement team-building activities and open forums for discussion. Leaders can also show genuine interest in their team members' personal growth and well-being. Encouraging diversity and inclusion can further strengthen relationships by fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

Developing Proactive Mindsets

The best way to prepare for the future is by creating it. Business consultant Peter Drucker's words ring true for leaders aiming to anticipate and proactively address future trends and challenges. Regularly engaging your team in scenario planning exercises or future-oriented brainstorming sessions can foster foresight and adaptability. It's about providing resources for skill development and staying updated on industry trends.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn suggested, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." Leaders must foster this surf-ready mindset within their teams, preparing them to not only anticipate but also adeptly navigate the waves of change.

Why: Anticipating future trends and challenges enables leaders and their teams to prepare and adapt proactively. This forward-thinking approach is central to the concept of "leading from the emerging future" in Theory U.

What: Leaders can foster an environment that encourages foresight, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving.

How: Regularly engage your team in scenario planning exercises or future-oriented brainstorming sessions. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptability by providing resources for skill development and staying updated on industry trends.

Conclusion

Leadership, at its core, is an art—a blend of wisdom, authenticity, and foresight. As we bridge the knowing-doing gap, align words with actions, nurture quality relationships, and cultivate proactive mindsets, we not only stand strong amidst the waves of change but learn to surf them deftly. This journey will require consistent learning and unlearning, courage, and resilience. With every small step forward, we contribute to a brighter, more equitable, and prosperous future.

A special thank you to Ilka Dunne (PhD), Martin Kalungu-Banda and Marian Goodman for a truly inspired, inspiring breakfast to talk about leadership and the new capabilities needed to navigate this ecosystem we call work, home and life.