We are living in an era where leadership is constantly evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities. De Smet, Gast, Lavoie, and Lurie suggested “how we live and work is being constantly reinvented by advances in technology and the emergence of generations who were “born digital.” They also explained organizations “are transforming their industries with a new organizational approach that seeks to be open, fluid, and adaptable; unleashes the collective energy, passion, and capabilities of its people; reimagines strategy; and focuses on delivering greater value to all stakeholders.”
LeaderProv, a concept that merges leadership principles with improv techniques, offers a new way into the future with dynamic ways to navigate these changes. This leadership concept seeks to move us from the era of individual leaders (De Smet, et.al.) to an era of collaborative and networked teams taking responsibility and being accountable for organizations. By combining insights from three recent articles (see links below) on leadership trends, we can identify key themes shaping the future of leadership and explore how LeaderProv aligns with these trends.
The Emergence of Human-Centric and Inclusive Leadership
One of the most prominent trends in leadership today is the shift toward human-centric leadership, as highlighted by the three articles linked below. This approach emphasizes empathy, inclusivity, and the well-being of employees. Leaders are increasingly expected to create environments where people feel valued, heard, and supported, both personally and professionally. Korn Ferry stresses the importance of creating an environment where everyone is accepted so they can bring their full selves to work.
LeaderProv’s focus on relational leadership aligns well with this trend. By emphasizing active listening, empathy, and collaboration, LeaderProv equips players* with the tools to build strong, authentic relationships with their teams. Through “Yes, And” thinking and collaborative storytelling, players can create an inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is heard and valued, which enhances overall employee engagement and satisfaction.
Adaptability and Agility in Leadership
Another critical trend shaping the future of leadership is the need for adaptability and agility. The rapid pace of change in today’s world driven by technological advancements, global events, and shifting market dynamics requires leaders be able to pivot quickly and effectively in response to new challenges. Fear can limit our ability to evolve as it limits our mindsets and our ability to creatively problem solve (De Smet, Gast, Lavoie, and Lurie). The Korn Ferry article also explained that leaders who are agile in their methods can enhance their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and employee expectations.
Adaptability is at the core of LeaderProv. The improv techniques that underpin LeaderProv, such as spontaneous ideation and scenario-based thinking, teach players to remain flexible and open-minded. These skills are crucial in uncertain environments where quick thinking and creative problem-solving are needed to navigate complex situations. By practicing LeaderProv, players can develop the agility required to lead their organizations through continuous change.
Embracing Innovation and Novel Thinking
Innovation is a driving force in leadership, with an emphasis on novel thinking as a key trend. As organizations seek to differentiate themselves and remain competitive, leaders need to encourage creativity and create a culture of innovation. They can accomplish this work by letting go of power, empowering people, and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit (De Smet, et.al.). Only organizations with people who are willing to adapt, evolve, innovate, and create space for creativity will find success in a world that is quickly changing.
LeaderProv directly supports this trend by promoting novel thinking as a major principle. Through improv-based activities, players learn to think creatively and approach problems from new angles. The “Yes, And” principle encourages the exploration of unconventional ideas, while group improv exercises build an environment where innovation can thrive. LeaderProv enables players to develop a mindset that accepts and actively seeks out innovative solutions so organizations and people can be best positioned for success.
Technology and Change
The Korn Ferry article recommends taking a positive approach to technology so new tools and systems can be used to maintain a competitive edge and improve collaboration. As technology reshapes businesses and industries, organizations must use technology to support innovation, adaptability, and team cohesion. Hybrid and remote options and flexible hours are driving new ways of engaging with work and leaders who demonstrate flexibility with these options can integrate them successfully into daily routines and build successful teams. With all these changes, all employees need to have their skills improved so technology can be better used (Wells).
LeaderProv’s emphasis on adaptability helps players navigate these changes by encouraging a mindset open to experimentation and quick pivots in response to technological advancements. With its focus on relational leadership complements digital tools by teaching everyone how to foster strong connections and collaboration, even in virtual environments. LeaderProv encourages novel thinking, enabling players to creatively integrate new technologies into their strategies, leading to cutting-edge solutions that keep their organizations competitive.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Purpose-driven leadership is increasingly recognized as a key trend, with leaders expected to articulate and embody a clear purpose that aligns with the values of their organization and resonates with their stakeholders. This trend emphasizes the importance of leading with a sense of mission and fostering a shared purpose among team members. Leaders should strive to become forward-thinking visionaries with the courage to define a compelling purpose and actively shape and chase the future with bold ideas and innovative strategies (De Smet, Gast, Lavoie, and Lurie).
LeaderProv enhances purpose-driven leadership by integrating storytelling and narrative-building into its framework. Improv techniques help players craft compelling stories that communicate their organization’s mission and values effectively. By engaging in collaborative storytelling exercises, players can inspire their teams and build a sense of shared purpose that motivates and unites employees around common goals.
Resilience and Well-Being
Resilience and well-being have emerged as critical themes in leadership, especially in the wake of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Wells expands the discussion of well-being to include high levels of stress, the sense that the country do not care for them, wars, and politics. Wells and the Korn Ferry article described the importance of employee well-being to employee performance. Leaders are now expected to prioritize the mental and emotional health of their teams, as well as their own, to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
LeaderProv supports the development of resilience by fostering a culture of psychological safety and support. Improv exercises that emphasize trust-building, empathy, and mutual respect create an environment where team members feel secure and valued. Additionally, the practice of embracing uncertainty and learning from failure helps players and their teams build resilience in the face of challenges, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more sustainable workplace.
Conclusion: LeaderProv as a Future-Ready Leadership Approach
As leadership continues to evolve, the integration of innovative approaches like LeaderProv with emerging trends is essential for success. By aligning with trends such as human-centric leadership, adaptability, innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and resilience, LeaderProv offers a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. When organizational players embrace these trends, they will be well-equipped to take their organizations into the future. As the articles have discussed, building environments where creativity, collaboration, and well-being are at the forefront will lead to organizational growth.
The convergence of LeaderProv and these leadership trends highlights the importance of staying agile, empathetic, and innovative in a rapidly changing world. As we look ahead, the organizational players who embody these qualities will thrive and inspire their teams to achieve success.
* In LeaderProv, we use the term players to refer to everyone in the organization because we see leadership as a relational activity that can move throughout the organization. We also understand that everyone in an organization is responsible for its success and for each other.
Aaron De Smet, Arne Gast, Johanne Lavoie, and Michael Lurie. New Leadership For a New Era of Thriving Organizations.
Korn Ferry Leadership (no author provided). Top 5 Leadership Trends That Will Shape 2025
Rachel Wells. Leadership Trends That Will Shape 2024
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