For this month’s issue, managing editor Danielle Simpson took on a fun assignment: interview millennials who are making a difference in the flooring industry. In her story, Up Next, she got to know a handful of change agents across the industry—from product development and marketing to data science and installation. What struck me from these interviews is the confidence, inquisitiveness and can-do attitude of these young leaders.
Leaders today face new challenges due to the speed of technological, social and economic change. Data shows that these challenges are calling for a new breed of leaders. A recent report by Deloitte shows that digital business models, augmented workforces, flattened organizations, and a shift to team-based work practices are challenging leaders to step up in new ways. Social issues are becoming corporate issues. Executives are expected to work collaboratively among more groups, and everyone is expected to approach their work with a spirit of kindness and empathy instead of ruling with an iron fist.