The modern workplace is changing, and so are those who lead it. Hybrid workers are a key part of that shift, and they require a unique kind of leadership. They’re part of a new workforce that’s more diverse, independent, and tech-savvy. Not only are hybrid workers redefining the workplace, but they’re also changing the way businesses think about those at the helm.
In this new working environment, it can be difficult for employees to find leaders who understand them. But the good news is that there are certain leadership styles that work well for hybrid workers. If you are looking to connect better with your staff and find ways to enhance hybrid work, it’s important to understand their needs and adapt your leadership style accordingly.
What kind of leadership styles do we need in a hybrid workplace?
When working in a hybrid environment it’s important that the leadership style best matches the needs of the team, as well as the needs of the company. Leadership styles must be firm enough to effectively observe policies like proper GDPR compliance yet flexible enough to adapt quickly should the work environment change.
While there are many different approaches to leadership, here are the top 5 leadership styles for a hybrid workers.
Participative leadership
Participative leadership involves employees in decision-making and encourages them to share their ideas. Prioritizing employee involvement encourages employees to be proactive and take some ownership of the business or organization, which is important in a hybrid workplace. The goal is to make sure every employee feels like they have a voice and that their ideas are valued. It’s also about empowering them to make decisions, as well as making sure that they are properly trained in order to make good choices.
Participative leadership also helps break down hierarchies and encourages employees to work together as a team, which can help create a more collaborative work culture. This will not only make them better understand what’s expected of them, but it also helps make them feel more engaged in their work.
Laissez-Faire leadership
Laissez-Faire leadership is a style that works well for hybrid workers, who tend to be highly independent and self-motivated. In this leadership style, the manager delegates responsibility to team members and provides feedback on how they are doing as they go along. The leader acts more like a coach than a manager, helps guide the team, and makes suggestions, but allows them to decide how to approach the task at hand.
Leaders who prefer this style are confident in their ability to give people the resources they need to succeed, and they expect employees to work independently and follow through on tasks like meeting deadlines and hitting target goals without needing much direction or guidance from above. This type of leader believes that autonomy promotes innovation and creativity, which ultimately contributes to better results for everyone involved, especially hybrid workers.
Transactional leadership
Transactional leadership is a management style that focuses on the exchange of resources and rewards. This style can be effective for the hybrid worker, who needs clear goals, feedback, and rewards in order to achieve their best work.
The leader has a set of rules and regulations that must be followed in order to receive these rewards. They will set goals with the expectation that they will be accomplished, then provide regular feedback to employees on how they are meeting those goals. This type of leadership is effective for hybrid workers who are motivated by rewards and performance.
Transformational leadership
Transformational leadership focuses on building the self-esteem, motivation, and commitment of employees. Transformational leaders are able to inspire their employees by setting goals for them that align with their personal growth goals as well as company goals.
It is a style of leadership that challenges them to grow as professionals and encourages them to improve while also creating a vision for the organization that inspires others to follow. It’s also a great way to improve work culture in a hybrid workplace since managers help build up their team’s skills and talents so everyone feels more empowered.
Charismatic leadership
Charismatic leadership focuses on the importance of the leader being able to inspire, motivate, and encourage their followers. Charismatic leaders are often visionary, creative, engaging and selfless individuals. They are also good communicators, who know how to convey their vision clearly so that everyone on the team can understand what they’re trying to accomplish.
This style of leadership is effective for hybrid workers because it helps them feel more connected to the company, which in turn improves employee job satisfaction and ensures that they are motivated to do their best work.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many leadership styles that can be used in a hybrid workplace. What’s best will depend on the hybrid workers themselves, the leader’s own personal strengths and weaknesses, and the organization’s goals and culture.
The goal of a hybrid workplace is to create a flexible work environment that motivates the team to do their best, allows them to be creative and innovative, and fosters a sense of community. If a leader has a vision of what success looks like, it will be easier to determine which leadership style is right for the organization and its workforce.
Written by Katie Pierce