The Lens Shift on Leadership
Seven Lenses to See How Everyday Work Is Changing – A Series
Hi, I’m Jen from Thrive at Work.
This is the first of our seven-part series exploring the essential lenses leaders need to adopt to navigate the changing world of work. As we (hopefully) move through a post-pandemic “next normal,” we’ll explore shifts in the way we approach:
Leadership
Inclusion
Wellbeing
Work Structure
Employee Experience
Change
Technology
Let’s start with leadership.
Leaders Are in the Business of Caring
While our definition of leadership may not have radically changed, the expectations of what leaders need to see and do have evolved significantly.
At Thrive, we see leaders as inviters, conveners, connectors, teachers, and guides. They’re responsible for creating the conditions for people to do their best work. They keep us aligned around shared purpose, shared values, and a shared future.
Over the last few years—especially during remote and hybrid transitions—leaders have also become the weavers of team culture. They build trust. They build confidence. And most importantly, they show they care.
If there’s one core truth that emerged during the pandemic, it’s this:
Leadership is, at its heart, the business of caring for people.
Navigating Uncertainty and Visibility
Leaders have been under pressure—making tough calls with limited information, navigating constant change, and doing so with more eyes on them than ever before. Employees are watching not just what leaders do, but how they do it.
So it’s time to re-examine the old leadership lenses—and replace them with ones better suited to today’s realities.
1. Change Can Start Anywhere
Old Lens: Change comes from the top and is rolled out.
New Lens: Change can start anywhere.
Today’s leaders must facilitate agile cycles of doing, learning, and pivoting. Leadership is less about directing from above and more about activating change at every level.
2. Decision-Making Is Collaborative
Old Lens: Leaders decide; others follow.
New Lens: Decisions are made inclusively and collaboratively.
People—especially younger generations—want to be part of shaping the future. They want their voices to matter, especially when the future is uncertain. The best decisions are made with, not for, teams.
3. Information Is Shared, Not Guarded
Old Lens: Leaders gatekeep information and share it when needed.
New Lens: Information is transparent and accessible.
In a hybrid world, access to the right information is essential. Leaders need to create collaborative, virtual ways for teams to stay informed and aligned, no matter where they are.
4. Purpose Is the Anchor
Old Lens: People follow orders because the boss said so.
New Lens: People act when purpose is clear and shared.
Leaders must connect work to values and purpose. When people know why something matters, they’re more likely to feel ownership, build trust, and stay engaged.
5. Outcomes > Hours
Old Lens: Success = hours worked.
New Lens: Success = meaningful outcomes, effort, and progress.
Measuring time is no longer meaningful in many modern roles. Leaders need to focus on results and progress, not clockwatching.
6. Care Is Part of the Job
Old Lens: Leave your personal life at the door.
New Lens: Bring your whole self to work.
Leaders today must create space for empathy, regular check-ins, and real conversation. We've seen each other’s real lives—we can’t unsee that. People need to know they’re safe and supported being themselves at work.
7. Lead with Questions, Not Answers
Old Lens: Leaders should have all the answers.
New Lens: Leaders should be curious and ask great questions.
In today’s complex world, no one has all the answers. The most effective leaders are curious, humble, and collaborative—asking more than they declare.
Thanks for joining us for this first lens in our series on how work is changing.
