By Mark McCrindleWednesday 1 Nov 2023CultureReading Time: 2 minutes
In the contemporary and fast-paced landscape of the workplace, organisations are increasingly recognising the vital connection between effective leadership, employee contentment, and staff retention.
As indicated by today’s workers, there are some essential qualities that Australians seek in their leaders.
Approachability
An approachable leader is imperative in leadership because they contribute to effective communication, trust and work culture.
More than three in five Australians (64 per cent) value approachability in leaders.
This attribute carries particular weight among Generation X, where 70 per cent emphasise the significance of having an approachable leader.
While slightly less crucial for Generation Z (58 per cent) and Generation Y (59 per cent), it still remains vital.
Even among Baby Boomers, a generation known for their experience and wisdom, about 68 per cent hold approachability in high regard.
This strong preference emphasises the need for organisations and leaders to prioritise approachability.
Clear communication
Fostering open and transparent communication within teams is vital for organisational success.
More than three in five Australians (63 per cent) value a leader who exercises clear communication.
For Baby Boomers, it is the most important trait in a leader (71 per cent compared with 57 per cent Gen Z, 60 per cent Gen Y and 64 per cent Gen X).
The importance of clear communication cannot be overstated.
This is a quality that resonates across generations, highlighting its fundamental role in leadership effectiveness.
Integrity
Almost three in five Australians (59 per cent) value integrity in their leaders.
Integrous leaders build trust among employees and play a critical role in creating a culture of honesty and long-term success.
A leader with integrity holds particular significance for Baby Boomers (71 per cent, compared with 46 per cent Gen Z, 55 per cent Gen Y and 60 per cent Gen X).
Notably, there’s a substantial 25 per cent difference in the importance of integrity between the oldest and youngest generations.
As workers mature, integrity gains prominence as a leadership trait, driven by the wisdom and life experiences of older generations.
Baby Boomers, having been exposed to diverse leadership styles and historical contexts, place greater emphasis on trustworthiness, making integrity a top leadership priority.
In the ever-evolving workplace, these qualities are central to effective leadership, ensuring leaders can foster connection, communication, and trust among their teams.
Organisations that recognise the significance of these attributes are positioned to lead their employees to success in today’s dynamic work environment.
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: Mark McCrindle and his team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Photo by Olga Zabegina on Unsplash