I run an M&A firm and regularly help owners acquire, exit, succession plan, etc. I also regularly acquire businesses myself so obviously leadership style and methodology is a major part of my day-day.
I mentioned my age at the top because I’m part of the so-called “sandwich generation” …we remember life pre-digital, and early childhood was similar to Gen X, but we also were the first to use technology natively as it advanced. We also had a lot of interaction/influence from Boomer parents, and even their parents.
We are a hair old to be millennials, but have some combo of their traits mixed with Gen X and even some Boomer mixed in.
We are also raising Gen Z or Gen alpha kids who are fascinating in and of themselves.
All this to say the one thing I consistently see effective leaders do is be fluid and adaptable in approach to whomever they are leading.
Some standards are set in stone…but the way you say something, or the way you interact varies by the age, background and personality.
Even BB who I believe was the greatest HC of all time sometimes adapted his style for certain players .
Unfortunately, his old-school hardass ways (especially around social media and what players can/can’t say publicly) doesn’t work well anymore.
It isn’t that players/employees won’t work hard…it’s that they have to understand WHY and how it will lead to success.
I don’t lead a 67 YO man the same way I lead a 22 yo woman.
I greet folks with anything from a bro hug, to a firm handshake, to a fist bump or even head nod. It depends on the person.
What WOULDN’T work, is trying to get BB 2.0 when even BB himself wasn’t reaching players all that well anymore.
See where it goes and judge the results not the methods.