Traditional Leadership vs. Collaborative Leadership: Collaboration Can Be the Key to Your Team’s Success

Leadership is one of the main factors that influence the success or failure of a team Shopping.  

Over the years, the growing needs for increasingly efficient work environments have led to new leadership styles emerging, from more traditional leadership, centered on the image of a “boss” who makes all the decisions, to more horizontal and collaborative models, which value the freedom and autonomy of its members.   

Currently, the big changes in the job market, such as the adoption of hybrid and home office models, are dictating the way today’s leaders attract, develop and retain talent for purchasing teams. 

Furthermore, factors such as the growing need for innovation and creativity in companies, the search for a healthier and more balanced work environment, and the evolution of technology and communications, have been changing the ideal profile of leadership and their teams.  

In this post, we’ll explore the differences between traditional leadership and collaborative leadership, and show how collaboration can be the key to your team’s success. 

Traditional leadership vs. collaborative leadership

To have a high-performance team today, a purchasing leader needs to go beyond traditional management skills and be prepared for a new phase in the market: the era of collaboration.  

Traditional leadership It is based on a hierarchical model, in which the leader makes all decisions and is responsible for guiding and motivating team members. This model may work in some situations, but it often results in a demotivated and uncreative team.  

On the other hand, collaborative leadership values ​​the participation of all team members, encouraging the exchange of ideas and cooperation among employees. This approach can lead to more creative and efficient solutions, as well as creating a more pleasant and collaborative work environment. 

Below, learn about the main differences between traditional leadership and collaborative leadership:

 

A study titled “The New Science of Building Great Teams”, carried out by the Harvard Business Review, for example, showed that companies that adopt collaborative leadership have an innovation rate twice as high as companies with traditional leadership, and present um performance financial up to five times better. Furthermore, collaborative leadership is also related to a healthier work environment, with greater employee engagement and motivation. 

Furthermore, another study carried out by the consultancy Deloitte showed that companies with collaborative leadership present a 31% higher talent retention rate than companies with authoritarian leadership. This is due, in part, to the appreciation of teamwork and the promotion of a collaborative environment, which encourages the growth and development of employees. 

How to be a collaborative leader in purchasing

Despite all these benefits, collaborative leadership is an approach that requires commitment and planning to implement.  It requires an ongoing commitment to clear communication, mutual respect and active participation from all team members. It also requires strong leadership that is able to foster and encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas. 

Check out some tips we have put together to help you exercise collaborative leadership in your purchasing team:  

1. Try to build a diverse team

The purchasing area is very dynamic and requires diverse people with different profiles working together. Thus, with different skills, everyone can contribute to achieving results.

2. Know the people on the team well

The purchasing leader needs to get to know each member of his team, to understand how each one can contribute to the growth of the business.

3. Be open to constant learning

Don't hesitate to ask your team questions about what you don't know. Also, understand that risks will always exist and that there are no exact answers to all questions.

4. Share your experiences

Whenever possible, share your experiences with the team, your career path, and your history with the profession. It's a way to inspire your team.

5. Develop your behavioral skills

As behavioral skills make a purchasing leader more prepared for the area's profile. After all, the time when technical skills dominated the sector is long gone.

6. Listen to what people have to say

Active listening is essential to exercising collaborative leadership. It is a way of demonstrating interest and developing empathy.

7. Give people autonomy

Finally, a good leader knows how to delegate tasks and share responsibilities. Trust in your team increases productivity and, consequently, results.

In this article, we explore one of the most important topics for those who work in purchasing leadership or intend to become a leader. Share your opinion and experiences in the comments.

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