Today’s workplace is increasingly collaborative and leaders must evolve if they are to realise the full potential of their teams.

The traditional role of a leader was to simply lead. They were the focal point of their team or organisation. There to issue commands and give direction to a largely compliant workforce. They rarely asked questions or expected to collaborate.

Innovative applications and social media channels allow us to create and share across all levels. We regularly invite others to give their perspective to develop the ideas that will enable an organisation to thrive. Leaders no longer need to or indeed can hold all the answers. This is especially so in knowledge-driven sectors. Instead leaders must ask the right questions that subject-matter-experts can answer. Leaders need to learn to coach rather than dictate.

Amazing things can happen.

This way, it’s possible for an organisation to need fewer managers. This frees up resources to focus on hiring, developing and retaining the best people to do the job.

This is particularly true for the tribe of millennials in the workplace. They are typically less concerned with salary and more interested in cultural fit, collaboration and job satisfaction. A dictatorial leader might struggle with this resulting in the millennial quickly hopping off to greener grass.

But dictators don’t turn into coaches overnight. It’s a personal and cultural shift that takes time and the right tools. Leaders need to understand their own coaching style and how to develop it so that it can filter through their organisation.

Learn how the McQuaig Self-Development Survey can help you develop your coaching style.

Find more about the McQuaig Psychometric System at www.mcquaig.co.uk or call 0203 111 9292.