Page 27 - Banking Finance September 2021

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with a new class of solutions that have evolved leadership parameters of bringing in business and sustaining. Conscious
to a new high. A new leadership style has emerged that leadership that emerged from the adversities and has
amalgamates the thinking hats of Edward De Bono and the delivered unparalleled results for the persons holding such
principles of Fayol & Taylor with humanity & the essence of posts and assuming such positions. Maintaining the morale
cultivating and nurturing human assets- conscious of the team and effectively supporting human assets has
leadership. been the challenge by far, as there have been massive layoffs
and restructuring in some of the Organizations.
With the virtual world becoming the new area of interaction,
the challenges have been multifold. Take a minute to reflect The forward looking organizations who could sustain, had
how fun (sarcasm intended) it has been integrating howling seen restructuring and transformation in varied plans and
& yelling kids, disgruntled spouses, unattended family, and pathways, with goals being revised and new targets and
the philosophies of ancient scriptures like Mahabharata and milestones set to be achieved. Survival became the new
Ramayana or telly-dramas playing in the background with mantra. Staying afloat became the new destination. We see
virtual conferences, meetings and client calls. I am sure no the paradigm shift in the leadership approach altogether. A
one will discount the added work pressures with conscious leadership approach has gained more importance
disappearance of household help& aids. than ever before. Apart from the business numbers, being
considerate with human assets has assumed a greater
Conscious Leadership has played a very important role in importance.
adapting to the current circumstances and the same is
known to each one of us. Our bosses have shared the It is important that you as a leader - no matter at which
dilemmas and understood our strifes, while walking hand in ever level you are, become more conscious and more
hand at maintaining the work pressures that had multiplied. resilient & agile to the entire situation. The chaos, confusions
Adapting to the new changes would not have been possible and dilemmas caused by the pandemic have added largely
without conscious leaders prominently being the to negativity all around. Conscious leaders are being seen
torchbearers. to screen themselves and shield their employees from the
prevalent negativity and pessimism. The display of inner
The Teams who had insensitive and contrary styled leaders resilience, serenity and indominable will power has been
as bosses, became more disgruntled and stressed. endearing to watch.

The leaders at all the levels, had multifold responsibilities Irrespective of the style of leadership that works for you
and pressures as they had to bridge the gap and rise to the (autocratic, democratic or a laisse-faire etc.) there are
demands of the pandemic. They managed employee's certain notable key characteristics and personality traits
morale and productivity, ensured effectiveness in solutions that have been identified towards conscious leaders. Basis
designed as well as delivered on the organizational my observations, I believe that the Characteristics or so to
say the qualities of a "Conscious Leadership style stems from
the very word "conscious" which also summarizes it wholly
as under:

C- caring. Demonstrating a caring approach in sensitive
times is critical to well-being. Catering to the varied needs
of the team whilst paying specified focus on the emotional
requirements and support for employees has been a key
differentiator.

O- Open to listening. Ranging from concerns to ideas
that the employees may contribute to, having flexibility in

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