Balancing humanity and high performance in today’s workplace
A thoughtful theme emerged in a recent episode of Vistage Live, a podcast that explores the changing nature of leadership, hosted by Stephanie Christopher, Managing Director of Vistage Australia and New Zealand.
Stephanie sat down with Maja Paleka, culture and transformation expert, and Mark Puncher, employer branding strategist, to reflect on what the future of leadership may require. The traditional leadership playbook is due for a rethink. The pandemic didn’t just alter where we work – it also reshaped how many people view work itself.
The great leadership paradox
Today’s leaders face an intriguing paradox. On one side, employees have experienced a different way of living and working, leading to what Maja describes as a fundamental shift in their relationship with work. On the other side, Organisations still need to maintain productivity and performance, perhaps now more than ever in our uncertainty-driven environment.
Authenticity: The new currency
The old corporate facade is crumbling. As Mark pointedly notes, traditional corporate masks are becoming increasingly ineffective. Employees aren’t just looking for flexible work arrangements; they’re seeking authentic leadership that acknowledges challenges transparently and isn’t afraid to show vulnerability.
The orchestra model of leadership
One of the most compelling insights comes from Mark’s “orchestra model” approach to culture. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, successful leaders are learning to conduct different teams playing different instruments – all working together toward a harmonious outcome. This means:
- Acknowledging different team cultures and strengths
- Connecting individual roles to broader business outcomes
- Creating clear success indicators that work across different work styles
The care and accountability balance
Perhaps the most crucial skill for today’s leaders is what Maja calls the balance between care and accountability. This isn’t about choosing between being empathetic or demanding results – it’s about doing both simultaneously. Leaders need to:
1. Set crystal-clear expectations while showing genuine understanding
2. Maintain high standards while acknowledging personal circumstances
3. Have direct conversations without losing compassion
Moving forward: The action plan
The path forward isn’t about reverting to old ways or completely abandoning structure. Instead, successful leaders are:
- Creating transparent communication frameworks
- Establishing clear metrics for success regardless of work location
- Building regular feedback mechanisms that work in hybrid settings
- Developing structured check-in processes that maintain productivity without micromanaging
In summary
The workplace has changed irreversibly, but the need for results hasn’t. The winners in this new era will be leaders who can adapt their approach while maintaining clear expectations and accountability. It’s not about choosing between caring for your people and driving performance – it’s about mastering the art of doing both.
Remember, as Maja notes, people haven’t forgotten how to work hard or deliver results. They’re simply asking for a more human-centred approach to leadership. The challenge – and opportunity – for today’s leaders is to create an environment where both people and performance can thrive.
The future belongs to leaders who can balance authenticity with accountability, empathy with expectations, and flexibility with focus. It’s a challenging balance, but one that promises better outcomes for both organisations and the humans within them.
Turning insight into action: The 7 laws of leadership
As leaders strive to balance empathy with expectations and lead with authenticity, having a clear decision-making framework becomes essential. The 7 Laws of Leadership is a practical guide designed to support that journey – helping you navigate uncertainty and evolve from a good decision-maker into a great one.
