4 Pillars of Modern Leadership
The PS Team
Leadership today sure looks a lot different than it used to. We’ve come a long way from the days when leaders were expected to know it all and always have the right answers.
The expectation of modern leadership goes beyond making decisions and giving orders—it’s about inspiring, supporting, and working alongside your team.
In this article we will explore what we believe are the four pillars every of modern leadership. Let’s dive in…
We’ve heard the old adage, ‘actions often speak louder than words’. And yet, many of us can remember our parents saying, ‘do as I say, not as I do’. Thankfully, that is a leadership style of the past.
Previously, it was not uncommon to hear managers constantly stressing the importance of punctuality but consistently arriving late to meetings, sending mixed signals. Or leaders who talked about teamwork but always worked alone. These inconsistencies lead to confusion and frustration among team members.
Our societal work culture now demands that leaders model the behavior, work ethic, and attitude they expect from your team. And that they create a clear and tangible standard for others to follow.
Leading by example also builds trust and credibility. People want to know that their leader is willing to work just as hard as they are and won’t ask them to do something they wouldn’t do themselves.
For example, when a leader shows up on time, is accountable for their actions, and treats everyone with respect, it sets a positive tone for the entire team. It shows that you’re invested in the team’s success, not just overseeing it from the sidelines. It creates a sense of unity and commitment, where everyone is in it together, including you.
In the past, vulnerability wasn’t something you often associated with leadership. Leaders were expected to be confident and always in control. But times have changed. In modern leadership, vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness. It’s about being open and real with your team, showing that you’re human, and allowing others to be human too.
When a leader is willing to admit they don’t have all the answers, it encourages the team to contribute ideas and collaborate without fear of judgment. Admitting when you’ve made a mistake or when you’re struggling isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a way to build trust and connection. It shows your team that you’re approachable and open to learning, just like they are. There is strength in openness.
Vulnerability also creates a safer environment for your team to take risks and try new things. When people know that failure is part of the process and that their leader sees mistakes as learning opportunities, they’re more likely to take bold steps, share innovative ideas, and push boundaries. This openness to learning and growth is key to developing high-performing teams that aren’t afraid to think outside the box.
Trying to be the “perfect leader” often backfires and creates more distance than connection with your team. Perfection isn’t relatable and it creates unrealistic expectations for your team.
Modern leadership demands we take off the mask and authentically communicate that be real about not having all the answers. Showing that you’re still learning and that you make mistakes, makes you more approachable. It encourages your team to be authentic too, which leads to a more open and honest work environment.
When you’re authentic, you also lead with integrity. Your team respects you because you’re consistent, transparent, and true to your values. This fosters deeper connections, builds loyalty, and creates a sense of security within your team. People are more likely to trust a leader who is comfortable in their own skin, flaws and all. #flawsome
You’ve heard it, ‘there’s no i in team’, well, no leader succeeds alone either. Steve Jobs said it best,
“It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to to , We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do” – Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs: His Own Words and Wisdom
Modern leadership is about creating an environment where collaboration is not just encouraged but thrives. The best leaders don’t try to do everything themselves—they recognize the strength in their team and know that great ideas come from diverse perspectives working together.
Collaboration starts with giving everyone a voice. As a leader, it’s important to create opportunities for team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback. This can be as simple as asking for input during meetings or encouraging team members to work together on bigger projects.
When people feel like their contributions matter, they’re more invested in the outcome, and you get the benefit of their unique insights.
As a modern leader, fostering a collaborative atmosphere also means being open to different points of view. When leaders actively seek out and value a range of perspectives, it leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions. Plus, it builds a sense of ownership within the team, where everyone feels like they’re a part of the success, not just following orders.
Celebrating team successes and recognizing individual contributions is another great way to build collaboration. When people feel appreciated and valued, they’re more likely to support one another, share knowledge, and work together toward a common goal.
Modern leadership is a balance of strength and humility, of guidance and collaboration. It’s about leading by example, not just with words, but through actions that inspire others to follow you.
It’s about embracing your vulnerability and being open enough to admit when you don’t have all the answers. It’s about showing up every day as your genuine self. Remember, your team doesn’t need you to be perfect, they need you to be real.
Finally, modern leaders understand that success is a team effort. Fostering an environment of collaboration, where every voice is heard and valued and leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
