The Fourth Revolution transforms fundamentally the practice of leadership. Even if leadership has been refined as a concept only since the 1980’s, it has transformed surreptitiously since. Leadership just does not imply the same behavior and tools.
Why? Simply, because leadership is about building relationships. And the way we are building and maintaining relationships has changed dramatically with the Fourth Revolution.
In the Industrial Age, where Broadcasting was ubiquitous but 2-way communication scarce, organizations have defined a leadership mainly built on broadcasting. Communication systems and channels were put in place; the effectiveness of the broadcasting media evaluated afterwards and the message adapted in the next iteration. There was always a large distance between the leader and the follower, enhanced by a number of intermediaries and systems.
Today, instantaneous 2-way communication transforms the relationship. The distance between the leader and the follower has been dramatically reduced. Leaders need to demonstrate reactivity and genuineness. Leaders need to demonstrate willingness to exchange. Feedback on the leader’s communication is immediate. At an organizational or personal level, authentic presence is required.
Today, leadership cannot rely any more on systems. Human authenticity is key.
Remember, “leadership is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow” (Kouzes and Posner). People today are faced with far more leadership choices. To make it, a leader needs to be present and authentic.
When will our institutions stop focusing on a conventional, Industrial Age leadership of controlled messages and distance to the followers? Let the new Collaborative Age develop their tribe through human touch and connection!
