The technology industry is experiencing rapid change, and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging, even for experienced leaders. The pressure on leaders to stay ahead of the curve can lead to burnout for themselves and their teams.
This article will look at sustainable approaches to leadership development that can make a positive difference for everyone.
Leadership Burnout
Leadership burnout is a serious issue that affects many people in the workforce. A 2021 survey by Adecco Group, a recruitment and outsourcing firm, revealed how much burnout has increased. The survey covered 16,000 workers from 23 countries and found that 68% of managers reported experiencing burnout in the past year, compared to 60% of non-managers. This represents a significant increase from the previous year's figure of 43%.
Despite this, many leaders are not given the support they need to perform at their best. According to HBR, 75% of the 1,500 managers surveyed across 50 organisations expressed dissatisfaction with their company's Learning & Development (L&D) function.
Essential Leadership Skills to Thrive in Disruption
A 2023 article by The Economist titled "Pity the Modern Manager - Burnt-Out, Distracted and Overloaded" explores the leadership skills required to navigate today's context. The article highlights that leaders and managers face new pressures, including:
A growing emphasis on social skills: Managers must communicate effectively, build trust, and collaborate. They are now responsible for managing teams of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
A decline in the importance of intellectual skills: As technology has advanced, managers can rely on machines to perform many more advanced tasks, and managers can rely on machines to perform many tasks that previously required human intelligence. This means managers must focus more on the softer skills machines cannot provide.
A rise in remote work: Remote work has made it more challenging for managers to keep track of their teams and ensure everyone is on the same page. This has led to an increase in burnout and distraction among managers.
Unlock Agility: Invest in Leadership Development Today
The 2022 edition of Deloitte's Human Capital Trends has revealed that 85% of business leaders think that companies should prioritise leadership development to promote agility and adaptability to market changes. However, sending leaders to a 1-day training seminar on managing through challenging times is not enough. According to a survey by McKinsey, only 25% believe that training has had a measurable impact on performance.
Beyond Training: The Transformative Power of Leadership Coaching
Coaching is an effective way to develop skills, improve communication, and benefit leaders at any career stage. Coaching is no longer limited to the executive suite and is an excellent intervention to drive engagement and productivity in any individual or team. Studies reveal that 70% of individuals who received coaching experienced better work performance, improved relationships, and a more effective communication style (ICF, 2009). Additionally, in the Association for Talent Development survey 2022, 94% of respondents reported their overall confidence as a leader improved after receiving coaching.
If you hold a leadership position or are responsible for learning and development in your organisation, such as an HR Manager or Chief People Officer, and believe that professional development can benefit yourself or your colleagues, it may be worth considering investing in a leadership coaching intervention such as our EMPOWER 1-1 or EMPOWER Leadership Group Coaching.