Being an effective leader has always required a solid understanding of organizational culture, but modern leaders face new challenges in today’s changing world. Contemporary workplaces are more diverse than they have ever been, while new and paradigm-shifting technologies continue to emerge at a rapid pace.
Business leaders who can track new trends are well-positioned to cultivate excellence within their organizations. However, staying current isn’t just about having up-to-date information. It also requires emotional intelligence, a willingness to pivot in the face of disruption and an awareness of how diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) are becoming integral to corporate culture. Eastern Washington University offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Organizational Leadership Concentration program for students who want to develop these leadership qualities.
Putting Emotional Intelligence and Culture First
Writing in Forbes, CEO and entrepreneur Brent Gleeson observes, “Emphasizing the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) has become increasingly crucial in modern leadership and organizational settings.” While it may seem obvious, leaders should pay attention to their emotions and those of other team members. Gleeson identifies three key areas in which emotional intelligence is especially crucial for leaders: self-regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and decision-making.
Leaders with appropriate EI “understand their emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling them to regulate their reactions and make sound decisions even in challenging situations,” Gleeson writes. Those looking to develop this crucial quality might enroll in EWU’s Social & Emotional Dimensions of Leadership course, which equips students with the tools to become effective, reflective leaders.
Leveraging Cutting-edge Technologies
While technology has always changed throughout history, recent innovations like the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence and the rise of augmented and virtual reality are reshaping the business environment like never before.
According to Thom Dennis, CEO at Serenity in Leadership, in an article for CEO Monthly, “The best leaders are concurrently planning the upskilling and reskilling of their existing teams whilst having a solid grasp of the issues, ethics and dangers. They are investing in the technology and tools that will enable them to collect, analyse and act upon data to inform strategic decisions and initiatives.” EWU’s MBA students learn to be moral leaders in an evolving technological environment through the Leadership and Ethics course and Data Driven Decision Making course.
Adapting to Disruption and Uncertainty
Technology is certainly disrupting the business environment, but it’s far from the only factor. Uncertainty is the new normal, and leaders must have a flexible, adaptive mindset.
Such leaders, says Gleeson, “recognize that change is constant and inevitable. Rather than resisting change, they embrace it, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.” This kind of leader helps foster a culture of learning and adaptation within their team.
The Power of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
As America’s workforce grows more diverse, it’s important to remember that intersectionality in the workplace isn’t just a practical certainty: It’s also good for business.
EWU’s online MBA in Organizational Leadership program includes the Leading in an Intersectional World course, which explores leadership through a social justice perspective. The class helps future leaders reflect on their and others’ identities and how diversity can influence leadership practice. According to the Boston Consulting Group, this matters because employees who cannot bring their whole, authentic selves into the workplace will never reach their full potential.
Leading with Purpose
Being a leader in the modern business world also requires more than a focus on the bottom line. The most effective managers also understand how to apply purpose-driven leadership. Gleeson writes that this leadership style emphasizes “the significance of a clear and meaningful mission beyond financial success, driving the organization and its members to contribute to a greater societal good.”
A strong organizational culture will have a clear long-term vision, and purpose-driven leaders, according to Gleeson, “adopt a long-term perspective, recognizing that achieving a meaningful purpose requires patience and a sustained commitment.”
Set Yourself Up for Success
The future is uncertain, but leaders can at least be certain that the business world will continue to change. That’s why it’s essential to master leadership strategies that will continue to pay dividends in the long term: embracing emotional intelligence, keeping up with cutting-edge technologies, adopting an adaptive mindset, leaning into purpose-driven leadership and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
Learn more about EWU’s online MBA with an Organizational Leadership Concentration program.
