As we navigated the pandemic in 2020 and the rise of digitisation and remote working started to conquer, it was clear that leaders needed to reflect on their own styles and make a decision on whether that would be effective whilst riding the waves of COVID-19.

Moving into 2021, although we aren’t out of the woods, we are now seeing a more steady approach to workplace and leadership; so based on my personal experiences within the sector of Facilities Management I wanted to share what I believe to be the key attributes to a solid leader throughout 2021 and beyond…

Self-Motivation and Accountability

Whether working from home, an office or still on the role, we are surrounded by less people. It is key you can give yourself discipline, find that motivation and hold yourself accountability to put in as much effort as possible.

Communication

I have said in a previous blog, that communication is the simple key to success of a true leader. Know your team, know your wider business colleagues, know your clients, and know yourself. Everyone is unique and require different levels of communication. 2021 is the year not only to use communication to improve your leadership, but to improve your communication through digitisation. Know your technology and how to use it effectively. Work on your presentation skills and expand your knowledge on how to engage an audience on-screen.

Empathy

Everyone has their own fight. These are very difficult times and they are not likely to get easier through 2021. So work on your ability to look at things from a different perspective, to understand other people’s needs and be aware, more than ever, of people’s feelings.

Trust

Just because we can’t see our team on a day to day basis, doesn’t mean you have to micro-manage. If you get your communication right, set clear goals and objectives; the next step is to really trust your team. More so, trust yourself that you have instilled the very characteristics we are talking about now (self-discipline, motivation, and accountability). Your team need to know that you have confidence in them and that you trust them. Take the leap…

Flexibility

I think we can all agree that over the past year, if we didn’t embrace change (on a week by week basis) and remained flexible, we wouldn’t have got very far! Be open to new ideas, new ways of working; and when it suddenly changes direction, just adapt, take it step by step and remain flexible!

Strategic Planning

As much as things are constantly changing, we are able to put down some strong high-level strategic plans. If this is done effectively, you can plan and prepare for most scenarios. This way, you can remove any elements of surprise; and if something does affect this strategy, simply adapt it.

Teamwork and Collaboration

I don’t mean this in the standard way of working within your own teams; that is just a given. I mean teamwork and collaboration within the whole of your organisation, with people or companies outside of your organisation, within the rest of your sector, and beyond.

As the pandemic hit and my industry had to react, everyone was coming to us for the answers; all of a sudden, we were the people who needed to know what to do and when to do it. The way in which people, business and sectors came together (competitors or not) to work out the best ways to keep this nation safe was simply outstanding. This is something which should never be lost in a good leader, the ability to be humble and ask for help when in crisis.

Creativity and Innovation

Digitation and IoT has advanced so quickly over the past year; this won’t stop and comes as a high demand from everyone. Don’t stand on the side-lines and follow the crowd. Be an innovator…lead the way.

Resilience and True Grit

Its been tough, it will continue to be tough, but people are look to you to remain calm, confident, and resilient in the face of adversity. Live up to that mantra and be the best you can be!