Brian Hoffman, professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ psychology department, recently spoke with U.S. News & World Report about the good kind of “identity crisis” leadership is undergoing.
How people expect leaders to act — and lead — is changing as people desire stronger interpersonal and collaborative qualities.
In his research, Hoffman has observed that the demands of leaders have evolved because the world of work is becoming more interdependent and team based.
“The leadership role requires leaders who are indeed more interpersonally skilled, more collaborative, more relationship-oriented,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman pointed to the traditional “suggestion box.” As employees increasingly value motivating and challenging work, they crave leaders who will listen to their ideas and empower them, Hoffman said.
As modern leaders continue to evolve, the focus should be innovation, according to experts.