From control to collaboration: the next evolution of leadership
- Written by Tim Sprague, ICF Australasian president, executive coach and psychologist
Leaders of today are navigating uncharted waters, facing challenges that demand not just experience, but a willingness to embrace new ways of thinking and leading.
Recent research from the Centre for Creative Leadership has highlighted the top obstacles leaders encounter, with data drawn from over 48,000 leaders across 7,000 organisations. The findings pinpoint three key areas where leaders need to focus: personal growth, managing people and work, and navigating organisational complexities.
Personal growth is at the heart of effective leadership, but it’s about more than acquiring new skills. It’s about building the confidence to be assertive, understanding how others perceive you, and being open to new ideas. From my experience, leadership starts from within. If you’re not willing to confront your own blind spots and evolve your mindset, no amount of strategy or technique will make a lasting difference. Personal growth isn’t a box-ticking exercise; it’s a fundamental shift in how you view your influence and potential for change.
Managing people and getting work done is another area where leaders often find themselves challenged. This isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about encouraging collaboration, building trust, and learning when to delegate effectively. Great leaders create environments where people feel trusted and valued, and when you get this right, the productivity and creativity that follow can be transformative.
Navigating across the organisation and within larger systems is also a critical challenge. Leaders today must manage dynamic business environments, collaborate across functions, and create a culture of psychological safety. The leaders who will thrive are those willing to challenge the status quo, not just maintaining the systems but redefining them.
While leadership courses can provide the tools for building curiosity, influence, and dealing with ambiguity, the real transformation begins with a shift in mindset. It’s about moving away from the outdated notion that leaders must always be decisive and in control, and instead embracing that today’s successful leaders pivot to a mindset of curiosity and collaboration.
One-on-one coaching is a powerful tool for driving this kind of mindset shift. Coaching reshapes how leaders interact with their teams and organisations, allowing leaders to dig deep, confront their fears, and rethink their approach in a supportive environment.
A strong coaching relationship built on trust is essential, and that’s why choosing the right coach is so important. When selecting a coach, it’s crucial to look for someone with recognised credentials, like those from the International Coaching Federation. These credentials represent a commitment to ethical conduct, competence, and the drive to make a real, positive impact.
The landscape of leadership is changing, and those who succeed will be the ones willing to question old habits and embrace bold, innovative approaches. Now more than ever, it's time for leaders to step up, rethink their approach, and make a real impact.
