The evolving landscape of leadership 

The dynamics of leadership have transformed over the last few decades. From the autocratic rule of the past to the collaborative and inclusive models of the present day, the evolution of leadership styles has been a remarkable journey. In this blog, we look at the shift from traditional management to the visionary leadership we see today. 

Command and control 

Let’s start with the Industrial Revolution and the 80s – an era dominated by leaders who wielded authority with an iron fist. It was a time when decisions were made from the top, and the workforce had little say in the matter. This autocratic approach, coined by social psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1930s, created a distinct divide between management and employees. Compliance was the order of the day, with a strict adherence to rules and regulations. 

Negotiation and collaboration 

As we moved into the mid-80s, organisations began to realise the limitations of a command-and-control model. A negotiation-based leadership style emerged, introducing concepts like management by objectives and performance-related pay. The focus shifted towards striking a deal between the organisation and the individual. Key objectives became the driving force, linked to rewards such as bonuses, promotions, and personal development opportunities. This marked the beginning of a shift away from strict control towards a more balanced approach. 

The era of inspiration 

In the early to mid-90s, a new wave of leadership emerged—inspirational leadership. Organisations sought to motivate employees through corporate values and mission statements that resonated with their personal beliefs. Aligning these values with both employees and customers became crucial, aiming for increased commitment, retention and improved performance. The emphasis shifted from compliance to a genuine desire to be part of an organisation that shared one’s values.  

Contemporary inclusive leadership 

Fast forward to today, and many organisations have reached a stage of co-creation and inclusion. Building upon the foundation laid by inspirational leadership, this style emphasises contribution and teamwork. Leaders are no longer aloof figures but work collaboratively with their teams, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared goals. It’s about being part of one team, where every individual’s contribution is valued, and decisions are made collectively. You can read more about modern leadership and mastering the art of influence and persuasion in our previous blog. 

The difference between management and leadership 

The distinction between leadership and management has been a recurrent debate. While management involves handling day-to-day tasks, leadership takes a more strategic and visionary approach. The CIPD defines leadership as ‘the ability to understand people’s motivations and leverage them to achieve a shared goal. Skilful leaders can contribute to positive outcomes for individuals, teams, organisations, and communities.’ 

Final thoughts 

The journey from command and control to inclusive leadership reflects the dynamic nature of the business world. Understanding this evolution can empower you as a current or aspiring leader to navigate the complexities of modern organisational dynamics successfully.  

Are you ready to work on your leadership style? Cube Learning and Development delivers tailor-made training and development programmes for your teams along with personal coaching to help with effective communication and presentation. For a no-obligation chat about this and our other training, call Chris Burton on 07879 602002.