If you are weighing up your options about a role, take a closer look at how a company’s leadership conducts itself, it can be a great indicator.
In the workplace of today, there are many factors that go into the decision to accept or remain in a role. From company culture and perks, to network building and the quality and potential of the work itself.
Regardless of where you are in your career, be it your first post-education role or whether you are more established, to succeed often you need the support of your colleagues and in particular the support of those in leadership positions.
So, how can you recognise if a manager or supervisor is flying green flags, not red?
Eclectic style
What works for one organisation, or indeed one team within a larger set-up, is not necessarily what is going to work across the board or even at an individual level. A good leader recognises that different people require different types of support to grow and progress their careers.
By listening to their colleagues and gaining an understanding of where a professional is headed, those in leadership can perfect a multitude of different leadership styles to ensure that they are approachable and that they are getting the best out of their workforce.
Goes to bat
The dynamics of the modern workplace are ever changing and sometimes it can be difficult to advocate for yourself, even if you feel you are in the right. A strong leader prioritises a healthy company culture, recognises an injustice and goes to bat for you when you are struggling to formulate a response to a difficult or unfair scenario.
This could be for any number of issues that might arise, for example if you are renegotiating a contract, if you are having trouble with a co-worker or client, if your personal life is impacting your career, if you feel that you are not progressing at the rate you should be and so on.
While it is important that leadership maintains a professional distance and that they also consider the wider needs of the organisation, a good manager supports those under them, to the benefit of the entire operation.
Has an open mind
There is a memorable quote from US author Austin Kleon that says “Inertia is the death of creativity”, which is an apt way of saying that when you become static, or closed off to change, you risk atrophying. This applies to us all, but especially to those in leadership positions, whose responsibility it is to lead a creative workforce that is capable of thinking critically and knows how to brainstorm ideas.
By having an open mind about the ways in which an organisation can improve, for example in areas related to workflow, DEI, ESG and CSR, leaders show that they are open to feedback and are willing to listen to and build upon other people’s plans for improving a company’s culture.
By encouraging the workforce to think critically about the ways in which working life could be improved upon, leaders foster a sense of community and professionals feel valued within their teams.
Face of resilience
From the threat of tariffs, growing political instability and global mass layoffs, particularly in the technology sector, now more than ever organisations are dependent on strong leadership to help navigate tumultuous times. A major green flag for modern-day leadership is the ability to remain resilient despite significant internal and external pressures.
Teams and companies with leadership that can navigate change and the transformation of the workforce, without overly disrupting day-to-day operations, often experience reduced stress, stronger engagement and improved wellbeing. Research suggests it also leads to less presenteeism, which is when work becomes about showing your face, rather having an actual impact.
In the current climate it is important to know that the people running the company you work for have a larger goal in mind that contributes something of greater value to the world. Leadership green flags are an ideal way of determining if you want to commit your time and efforts, or if perhaps the role falls short of where you see yourself in the future.
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