Blooming challenges for managers and leaders in a dynamic workplace

By Belinda Tardini

What skills are leaders required to have? Should you invest in management and leadership soft skills when you upskill an employee? We take a look into how the workforce has changed and how to minimise risk and enhance capacity through the new leadership skills required.

The classical management technique of focusing primarily on the physical needs of an employee and overlooking their social needs, has long been replaced in the workplace with an ever growing need to demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence in a mentally safe workplace. New and expanding skills are constantly updating techniques that can assist in how to navigate a safe and productive work environment for Team Leaders to Managers or Directors in our diverse workplace.

We spoke with HR Practitioner, Louise Potter who said, “Diversity forms the fabric of modern Australia, and the business case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace is overwhelming. 2023 is an opportunity for leadership groups to take an even bigger leap forward by changing and contributing to a more open, diverse, and inclusive society – starting with their own workplace.”

Despite the many benefits of a diverse workforce, there are still some challenges and issues that arise in the workplace due to growing diversity and are expected to rise.

Some of the current issues Leaders and Managers are facing in the workplace of today include:

1. Unconscious Bias: even well-intentioned individuals can hold unconscious biases that affect their perception of others. These biases can lead to discriminatory practices and hinder diversity efforts in the workplace.

2. Lack of Diversity in Leadership: many organisations still struggle to promote diversity at the leadership level, which can lead to a lack of representation and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

3. Microaggressions: microaggressions are subtle acts of discrimination that can create a hostile work environment for individuals from underrepresented groups. These can include comments, gestures, or behaviours that communicate bias or prejudice.

4. Inequitable Hiring Practices: some organisations may unconsciously prioritise certain qualifications or experiences that are more prevalent in majority groups, leading to a lack of diversity in the hiring process.

5. Diversity Fatigue: some employees may feel overwhelmed by the emphasis on diversity in the workplace and may resist or resent efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

6. Communication Challenges: communication barriers can arise when working with a diverse team, including language differences, different communication styles, and cultural misunderstandings.

Overall, these issues highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is important for organisations to address these issues and create a work environment that values and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can involve implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, offering training and education programs to reduce unconscious bias, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

DNA Training Solutions has been working with Members of Nursery and Gardening Industry Victoria (NGIV) to develop a series of non-accredited workshops that are led by specialist Industry Guest Speakers who are passionate about growing future leaders.

Stephen Lade from Oasis Horticulture said, “The knowledge to effectively manage a diverse team is a learnt skill that needs to be coached to remain relevant. Arming our leaders with knowledge and tools to navigate daily interactions is essential for success.” Oasis Horticulture has invested in their Team Leaders with DNA Trainings leadership providing their leaders with an internal and external support network.

The research into the industry has shown that the growing diversity in the workplace has led to major changes in the skills required for new managers or team leaders in the last ten years. A strong focus on upskilling future and current leaders includes key areas such as:

» Cultural Competence

» Emotional Intelligence

» Inclusive Leadership

» Flexibility and adaptability

» Effective Communication

» Collaboration

» Diversity and Inclusion Training

Ultimately, the ability to lead and manage a diverse team requires a unique set of skills and competencies that have become increasingly important. Successful managers and team leaders in today's workplace must possess a deep understanding of diversity, inclusivity, and cultural competence to build high-performing teams that drive business results. The General Manager of DNA Training Solutions invests in her team and strongly encourages other organisations to invest in building the above skills into their team leaders or managers for several reasons:

1. Improved Employee Engagement: when managers possess the skills needed to lead and manage diverse teams effectively, employees are more likely to feel engaged, valued, and supported in their work. This can lead to improved retention rates, higher productivity, and a stronger sense of loyalty among employees.

2. Better Decision-Making: managers who are culturally competent and possess strong emotional intelligence skills are better equipped to make informed and fair decisions that benefit the organisation and its employees. This can lead to improved outcomes and a more positive work environment.

3. Increased Innovation: diverse teams bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to business problems Effective managers who are able to leverage the strengths of a diverse team can drive innovation and competitiveness in the marketplace.

4. Reduced Conflict: effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential for managers who work with diverse teams. When managers are equipped with these skills, they can prevent or resolve conflicts that might arise due to cultural differences, misunderstandings, or biases.

5. Improved Reputation: organisations that prioritise diversity and inclusion are more attractive to potential employees, customers, and stakeholders. By investing in the skills of their managers and team leaders, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can enhance their reputation and brand image.

Investing in the skills of managers and team leaders is a smart business decision for organisations that want to create a more inclusive, productive, and innovative workplace. By equipping their managers with the above skills on offer at DNA Training Solutions, leaders can lead diverse teams effectively, while organisations can create a more positive work environment and drive better business outcomes.

More information

For further information or a one-on-one business consultation, reach out to admin@dnatraining.com.au to discuss how to upskill the DNA of your business and work towards a stronger future.