Alex Draper is the CEO and Founder of DX Learning Solutions. He is passionate and committed to creating sustainable human-centric workplaces.
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Despite the multiplicity of how leadership is defined and the vast number of books on leadership, one thing is for sure: Because of the "Great Reshuffle," contemporary times and the expectations of the modern worker, effective leaders are a must. An effective leader is one who can build a diverse team, adapt to their surroundings and, most importantly, connect and have empathy for all those they serve, allowing others to be uplifted and guided toward the path of success and fulfillment. As Bill Gates said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
A great example is Jason Oppenheim, the president and founder of The Oppenheim Group, a real estate brokerage representing buyers and sellers of luxury properties in Los Angeles and Orange County. He and his team are featured on Netflix’s show "Selling Sunset." On the show, Oppenheim demonstrates how his leadership style effectuates inclusivity for optimal efficiency in the workplace. For him, maintaining a cohesive work environment through mutual respect, trust, support and human care is essential to keep everyone happy and motivated to attain their goals at work and outside of work.
Still, despite everyone at The Oppenheim Group treating each other like family, Oppenheim tries to apply a modicum of pressure. As you can see on the show, there is a big difference between stress and intensity. The latter at the right level is a game-changer for high performance and, married with an inclusive and collaborative approach, is where team members can thrive. As a leader, maintaining a consistent balance of healthy intensity and care provides focus and trust among team members and aligns them to a unified vision.
Ultimately, leaders should connect with their teams by getting to know them on a human level, encourage collaborative leadership where there is more asking versus telling and inspire team members to execute their jobs competently by providing just enough intensity to motivate team members to go above and beyond.
Working In Collaboration
When making a decision, careful consideration and discernment are required, especially when its implications affect a collective. In hiring individuals, one must consider candidates whose values align with the organization’s values, fit the job description, mix with the crowd and do not disrupt the work dynamic of the organization.
With the recent expansion of The Oppenheim Group, they needed to hire new agents. Instead of solely relying on Oppenheim’s judgment, he, his partner and other agents were all active in the hiring process and had a say on the matter.
In an interview with YouTuber Ulyses Osuna, Oppenheim said, “I really don’t just wanna rely on my own opinion. I really like to get other peoples’ [opinion] because, at the end of the day, they’re working together even more than I am.”
Leaders must be considerate to their workers. Working in collaboration and prioritizing organizational health can produce the best results for everyone in the workplace.
Embracing Change
With the changing times and demands, leaders are expected to adjust insofar as the transformations that are necessary for the improvement and growth of the business along with its people. Initially, Oppenheim's business revolved around him but now he gets more enjoyment from watching his team succeed. “For me, the definition of success is change,” Oppenheim says.
People change. The world changes. Change is a constant. Just make sure the change is driven by the people and not you. The best way to adapt is to listen to your people. That's inclusive and collaborative leadership. Ask the right questions, create the right environment and they will let you know how to ensure the business continues to thrive. Leaders can't and don't have all the answers. But your teams are full of IQ, and it's your job to unleash it. In doing so, you will build much stronger relationships. As Oppenheim puts it in the YouTube interview, “I think that watching people succeed motivates you to want to succeed.”
Happiness At Work
We covet success and stability at work by working long hours, but at what cost? In 2020, it was reported that more than half of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs. Job satisfaction is a term that is easily thrown around yet is often neglected. Numerous aspects influence it, including providing opportunities for growth and having a healthy work environment. However, there are instances when executives prioritize profit over people, contributing to people’s dissatisfaction at work. How your leader makes you feel will always be one of the most important contributing factors to workplace satisfaction.
“If you’re happy at work, you’re gonna be way more successful,” Oppenheim concluded as he explained why maintaining a healthy work dynamic is more important for him than growing The Oppenheim Group.
When you invest in your people’s happiness and satisfaction, it is more likely that they will perform better, work more productively and be less stressed. Moreover, happiness at work makes attaining success seem organic and you are more likely to be happy at home.
Wrapping Up
Running a business is a challenge, which is why not everyone is destined to start, run and build a successful business. More than engaging with your clients, engaging with your workforce is key to your success.
Although conventional thinking would say otherwise, we have made great strides to forge an era defined by more humane work environments. As such, it is important that you embrace inclusive and collaborative leadership in the workplace not just for your success but to help set a good foundation for future generations.
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