Part 6/14:
A significant theme was how remote work has humanized leaders. Participants shared personal anecdotes about children and pets appearing on calls, which was once considered unprofessional but is now normalized. This shift fosters a more inclusive and empathetic environment, reducing the perceived distance between leadership and employees.
The traditional traits associated with leadership—such as commanding presence and physical authority—are evolving. Leaders no longer need to be physically present or 'walk the corridor' to be effective. Instead, genuine engagement, authenticity, and emotional intelligence have become more valuable. Leaders must develop new skills like active listening, digital visibility, and influencing in virtual settings.