10 Leadership Trends For 2023

Leading in a changing world

What is one leadership trend you predict for 2023? How is your company approaching this?
 

To help you stay ahead of the curve with shifts in leadership, we asked CEOs, founders, and HR leaders this question for their best advice. From compassionate leadership to becoming a thought visionary, there are several predictions that may help you with becoming an efficient leader before the strategies become more mainstream.

Here are 10 leadership trends business leaders predict for 2023:
●    More Compassion in Leadership
●    Data-Driven People Management Will Boost Collaboration
●    Developing Emotional Intelligence
●    Increased Usage of AI and Data Analytics
●    Rise in Digital Transformation and Innovation
●    Pulled Focus to DEI
●    Emerging Apprenticeship Programs to Develop New Leadership
●    Continued Rise of Value-Based Leadership
●    Leaders Quiet Firing Employees
●    Embracing Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Wellness

 More Compassion in Leadership

Companies will turn to more compassionate forms of leadership compared to traditional forms based on authority and power that are no longer producing the results they need. Shifting social and cultural narratives, organizational complexities, and remote forms of working are causing a reevaluation of the function of being a leader. Compassionate leadership can transform organizations by using authenticity to drive higher engagement. At our company, we are training our leaders to put themselves in the shoes of our employees and giving them the support they need to be creative and grow. Above all, we want leaders who have the humility to ask our employees what they need and the integrity to provide it to them.

David Aylor, CEO & Lawyer, David Aylor Law Offices

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 Data-Driven People Management Will Boost Collaboration

I like to equate people management to social media marketing because they both hinge on user engagement. Like followers, team members have days when they're more responsive to collaboration prompts or communication within Slack communities. For example, Mondays may bring the fewest responses from teams because everyone is busy picking up the slack after a weekend. Data like this has been invaluable for guiding team leaders and HR professionals. Of course, data-driven people management is still in its early stages of development, but it shows promise for increasing team collaboration and productivity in 2023. Imagine the possibilities!

Stephan Baldwin, Founder, Assisted Living Center

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 Developing Emotional Intelligence

As we move into the new year, it's important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve with leadership trends. For 2023, I predict we will see a continued focus on developing emotional intelligence in leaders. With the challenges of the past year, there has been a renewed focus on the importance of empathy and connection. Companies realize that leaders who can effectively manage their own emotions and create positive relationships are more likely to be successful. As a result, our company is investing in training and development programs that help our leaders build emotional intelligence skills. We are already seeing this trend in action, and have implemented a leadership development program that includes emotional intelligence training. We believe that by investing in our leaders; we are setting them up for success and creating a more sustainable future for our company.

Travis Lindemoen, Managing Director, nexus IT group

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 Increased Usage of AI and Data Analytics

In 2023, one leadership trend I predict is an increase in using AI and data analytics. Companies are already using these tools to help leaders make better decisions and identify areas of improvement. For example, data analytics can track employee engagement and identify when someone is at risk of leaving the company. AI can create predictive models that can help leaders anticipate challenges and plan for the future. My company is already using AI and data analytics to help leaders make more informed decisions. We are also invested in research and development to continue providing our clients with the best possible products and services.

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

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 Rise in Digital Transformation and Innovation

The rise of digital transformation will continue to redefine how leaders operate and make decisions. This will require organizations to be more agile and responsive to change, as well as more focused on customer needs. In order to remain competitive, businesses must adopt new technologies and ways of working that enable them to survive and thrive in the digital age. We are constantly evolving our approach to leadership in order to stay ahead of the curve. We believe that the key to success in the future will be our ability to embrace change and adapt quickly to new situations. Because of this, we are investing heavily in training and development programs that will equip our leaders with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.

Linda Shaffer, Chief People Operations Officer, Checkr

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 Pulled Focus to DEI

More attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion will be a 2023 leadership trend. Technology and the recent pandemic have created a global workplace, so organizations now have remote workers in other countries. In-person work environments are not exempt from this development, as companies realize the benefits of having a workforce of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. From recruitment to career growth, we provide an inclusive environment. Employees of diverse backgrounds feel safe, valued, and more engaged and have equal opportunities for growth. Before implementing new policies and programs, we consult with employees to know their input and ensure no cultural issues arise.

Ruth Novales, Marketing Director, Fortis Medical Billing Professionals

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 Emerging Apprenticeship Programs to Develop New Leadership

As more of our aging Baby Boomer workforce enters retirement, businesses will work to manage the transition from old- to new-generation leadership. I predict that mentoring, coaching, and job shadowing will be sufficient for some, but businesses most affected by the natural loss of experienced leadership will begin creating apprenticeship-style programs to help industry talent gain experience and grow into leadership roles from within. We’re considering a structure that can simultaneously give back to our community and develop new talent to prepare for our future leadership needs.

Jack Underwood, CEO & Co-Founder, Circuit

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 Continued Rise of Value-Based Leadership

As we move into 2023, we predict that value-based leadership will become increasingly important. In a world where there is so much uncertainty and change, leaders who can articulate and live by a set of clear values will be the ones who inspire trust and confidence. Value-based leaders are those who lead from the heart as well as the head. They are authentic and transparent and align their actions with their values. This type of leader is not afraid to show vulnerability or to have tough conversations. They create a safe environment for open dialogue and encourage everyone to bring their complete selves to work. Our company is committed to values-based leadership. We believe this is the best way to create a strong, cohesive team that can navigate any challenge. Our values are integrity, respect, excellence, and service, and we strive to live by them in everything we do.

Tzvi Heber, Founder, CEO, & HR Head, Ascendant Detox

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 Leaders Quiet Firing Employees

Quiet firing is an emerging leadership trend transforming workplaces into toxic environments. This happens when leaders stop associating with employees but can't directly tell their intention because they're often guilty of delivering bad news. That's why they show it by not giving rewards or neglecting employees' needs for salary increases and career growth. Our organization mitigates quiet firing through open communication. If our people feel their presence is being disregarded without an obvious reason, we encourage them to bring it up to their direct supervisor. Doing so not only allows employees to get updated about their work status but also helps preserve their relationship with their leaders.

Sam Tabak, Board Member, RMBH Charities

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 Embracing Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Wellness

The wellness trend has gained traction in the past few years since the Covid pandemic and we only expect it to grow in popularity in 2023. Leaders must embrace employee wellness strategies to help employees feel more engaged, contented, and less frustrated at work. Employees who are physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy are statistically more productive and more likely to stay with a company, reducing quiet quitting or high staff turnover and saving businesses from having to freeze hiring or let go of employees because of noncommittal attitudes. We will expand our flexible working hours program and collaborate with an international fitness organization to offer employees discounted memberships in order to encourage employees to live healthy, active lifestyles outside of work. By doing so, we hope to create a workplace that promotes employee health and happiness so that their lives are improved.

Kyle Kroeger, Founder, Via Travelers