How leaders can be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs

The days of hierarchical, dictatorial workplace are over and new characteristics must be embraced, claims new research

The next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs must be to relinquish total control and delegate to others.
 
That’s according to research that’s part of a future that works, a national workplace campaign launched by think-tank Reventure Ltd.
 
After finding that 49% of workers were likely to look for a new job in the next year, Reventure’s lead researcher Dr Lindsay McMillan started the campaign to reshape workplaces.
 
The research included instructive views into what it takes to be a successful CEO from 50 big bosses.
 
McMillan added that this research reveals what it takes to be the next Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg.
 
“CEOs from around the country have said that the days of hierarchical, dictatorial workplace are over and leaders must lead through engagement, partnerships and compromise,” said McMillan.
 
“Overall, the report tells us that CEOs are cautiously optimistic about what the future holds, but see challenges in the rapid rate of change and massive upheaval technology is creating.
 
“This is a unique insight into the minds of business leaders and provides some interesting food for thought for the business community.”
 
Here are the ten pointers for the CEO of the future - Leaders need to:
 
1.      Model the change they want to see occur in future workplaces.
 
2.      Recognise the authority and seize it to make even small changes that impact on ourselves as CEOs but also their workplaces and employees, and the industry in which they specialise.
 
3.      Talk about how you measure performance around vision and innovation not just the short-term benchmarks.
 
4.      Relinquish authoritarian control, delegate to and trust in others who will work in teams – and grow their resilience and wellbeing.
 
5.      In a team environment the CEO will need to compromise on decisions, see opportunities and skills in the team, negotiate, persuade and lead.
 
6.      As a modern leader, be nimble, adaptive and creative – innovate and show vision to compete in a global market in a time of rapid change.
 
7.      Be a friend to ambiguity and uncertainty.
 
8.      Find a way to let go of the day-to-day control and step away from the detail, and to reflect on what you have done, where you are going, and what you are contributing.

9.      Be open to changed work practices which reward creativity, provide community, engage in sustainable practices, nurture and support staff and see connectedness of business, family and community life.
 
10.   The changes do not have to be revolutionary, but they start with each and every CEO being open to connecting head and heart, listening carefully and slowing down to allow reflective in-action to guide decisions.
 
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