As global leaders gather at Davos, the pressing need for genuine leadership comes to focus amid widespread discontent with institutions. With an astounding four billion seemingly dissatisfied individuals set to cast their votes this year, this serves as a resounding wake-up call for those in positions of power.
Upon departing Davos with your grand ideas, remember that they involve real people and their current situations. One of the most pivotal actions leaders can take is helping people bridge gaps that exist in their lives. Resist the temptation to align with the latest trends and prioritize visits to small communities and neighborhoods. Engage in conversations about their ideas and concerns.
To grasp the pulse of professional networks and businesses worldwide, I routinely turn to LinkedIn. Initially designed as a platform for corporate announcements and business networking, LinkedIn has evolved into a reflection of the sentiments of the mid-level professional class. The emergence of LinkedIn pods, collaborative articles, and “top voices” has given rise to conversations that reveal a common undercurrent of discontent and the potential for disruption.
Key phrases such as “your job does not define you,” “use your power,” and expressions of frustration regarding promotion and layoffs dominate these discussions. While not explicitly stated, there is an unmistakable resentment against a dominant elite class across business and politics. And the expressions of uncertainty are eerily consistent amongst those I follow and interact with globally.
Some U.S. colleagues are drawn to the thinking of writers like conservative Angelo Codevilla, author of “The Ruling Class,” which highlighted his belief that the economic livelihood of the “masses” is increasingly tied to the self-interest of the establishment, diverging from the principles established by the Founding Fathers. Others may align more with socialist Bernie Sanders, who echoes a similar sentiment, repeatedly emphasizing that the government belongs to the people, not the top one percent. Global professionals find discussions about a VUCA world following authors like Dr. Manoj Joshi, whose recent CEOWORLD article highlighted the fearless and fiercely independent South Asian women business owners who rebuilt and survived in the post-COVID world.
We see these sentiments playing out in voting. The election of Argentina’s populist Javier Milei in 2023 was fueled by rhetoric targeting a “political caste.” He leveraged his “Don’t Tread on Me” theme to advocate for limited government, echoing the Chilean resistance to a proposed constitutional rewrite in 2022.
Taiwan’s election offers a vivid illustration of shifting demographics, with more voters identifying as Taiwanese than Chinese. This marks a departure from the decades-long battle dominated by a 70-year-old displaced mainland Chinese KMT ruling class and Xi’s vision of China.
Analyzing the electorate’s and your employees’ sentiments goes beyond election outcomes. My awareness of these trends started at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted me to closely monitor social media, mainly as employees shared articles from Forbes and HBR about management styles, mental health struggles, and coping with anxiety. Reading employee posts showed who on my team struggled with challenges during lockdowns as they juggled family responsibilities and work commitments. This trend of incorporating life and work challenges into LinkedIn discussions continues today, underscoring the importance of vigilant leadership that is attuned to the real struggles of individuals.
As we enter 2024, leaders can draw inspiration from consumer product goods (CPG) companies that mandate regular grocery store visits and delivery truck rides to understand the needs and challenges of customers and communities. Immerse yourselves in the world of managers from Midwest grocers like Hy-Vee and IGA to comprehend the intricate relationships between retailers and their communities.
Exploring non-traditional venues, be it a small store, a pop-up table in a bustling market, or a simple presence in a doorway, can offer valuable insights. Businesses known as La Tienditas in Latin America or Kirana stores in India epitomize the co-dependency between consumers and store owners, revealing the fragility of their lives and financial insecurities.
Regularly engaging with real customers is vital, not just monthly or weekly, but even daily. Pay attention to the thoughts your current and former employees share on LinkedIn. When confronted with challenges, acknowledge that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Check your ego at the door and exhibit empathy by understanding the diverse difficulties others face.
In 2024, champion empathetic and engaged leadership firmly rooted in people’s everyday realities. Leaders can make a lasting impact by building meaningful connections and genuinely understanding people’s challenges.
Step out of the traditional corridors of power and immerse yourself in the diverse global community. It’s time to ensure that our visions align with the collective aspirations of the people we lead. In doing so, we bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, forging a path toward a future shaped by genuine empathy and responsive leadership.
Written by Lisa Gable.
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