Anticipate a demand for greater adaptability from leadership figures.
In a recent survey by hh.ru, over 1,000 respondents shared their thoughts on the qualities they value most in their leaders. The results reveal a significant shift in the desired leadership traits among the new generation of employees.
According to the survey, only 12% mentioned their leader's ability to motivate, and just 6% highlighted their ability to implement new ideas. Instead, employees are placing a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence and empathy. Over a quarter (27%) of respondents praised their supervisor's respectful and tactful behavior, while 20% appreciated the pleasant atmosphere in the team.
Dmitry Pischalnikov, vice-president of "Opora Russia", echoes these findings, stating that young employees seek additional vacation time instead of health insurance. Anastasia Borovskaia, director of the "Russian School of Management", believes that people value a balance between professional tasks and personal time, and that empathy, emotional leadership, and emotional intelligence are increasingly important.
Experts attribute this focus on a leader's communication skills to the arrival of a new generation of employees and changes in the economy and society. Maxim Nedyakhin, head of the "Honest Service" project, states that the increasing number of Zoomers in teams necessitates new demands on management.
Daria Fedorenko, CEO of the "Understand" platform, states that today's leaders are expected to fulfill three roles: strategist, mentor, and a person who understands the needs of their team members. However, the survey found that many employees are dissatisfied with their supervisors due to their communication skills. Thirty-two percent of respondents cited the tense atmosphere created at work as a major issue, while 26% have experienced rude and disrespectful behavior from their superiors.
In the current economic climate, Dmitry Pischalnikov emphasizes the need for stability, with agreements honored, promises kept, and transparency in relationships. He stresses that in this uncertain world, employees are seeking leaders who can provide a sense of security and predictability.
Despite these challenges, the survey results show that there is a clear demand for leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence, adaptability, and transparent communication. With the right leadership, companies can foster more engaged and loyal teams, leading to increased productivity and success in today's rapidly changing world.
In light of the survey findings, it appears that leaders in business careers should prioritize emotional intelligence and empathy, as well as improved communication skills, to cater to the new generation of employees. As Daria Fedorenko highlights, today's leaders are expected to demonstrate not just strategic prowess but also act as mentors and understand their team's needs. However, the survey indicates that many leaders fall short in this regard, with 32% of respondents citing a tense work atmosphere and 26% experiencing rude behavior from their superiors as major issues.
