Rama Naidu, Founder of 6 Degree Shift, joins Maxine Attong in a thought-provoking dialogue exploring the evolving expectations and roles associated with leadership. They emphasize the shift from a top-down leadership paradigm, where leaders are seen as all-knowing figures, to one that champions collaboration, empowerment, and humility. This modern view of leadership encourages leaders to become conveners, facilitating dialogues among diverse voices rather than asserting their control.The conversation reflects on the changing landscape of leadership expectations influenced by social media and increasing public consciousness. Leaders today face the challenge of meeting higher expectations while lacking the certainty and control that characterized previous leadership models. The dialogue also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering genuine connections and nurturing trust within teams.The discussion extends to the role of younger generations in leadership and their capacity to influence and reshape these dynamics. It advocates for intergenerational dialogue, suggesting that collective wisdom can emerge when leaders step back from their traditional roles.• Role of the Leader: Modern leaders are encouraged to be conveners, facilitating discussions and empowering others rather than exerting control.• Impact of Social Media: The discourse acknowledges how social media and heightened awareness have reshaped leadership expectations.• Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence emerges as vital for leaders to connect authentically and foster trust.• Younger Generations: The conversation emphasizes the need to involve younger generations in dialogue about leadership as they bring fresh perspectives.• Collective Wisdom: Intergenerational dialogues enrich understanding by combining traditional knowledge with modern insights.• Agency and Rebellion: Reconceptualizing youthful rebellion as agency allows leaders to constructively channel the energy and ideas of younger demographics.Key Insights• Reframing Leadership: Leaders must redefine their roles away from being the “smartest” individuals in the room to recognizing and harnessing the collective wisdom of their teams. This reframing acknowledges the limitations of traditional expertise-driven leadership, advocating for a collective approach to problem-solving and innovation.•The Role of a Convenor: The transition to a convenor role requires emotional intelligence and vulnerability, as leaders must be willing to admit they don’t have all the answers and instead facilitate discussions that empower others to share their insights and solutions.• Resistance to Adaptation: Cultural norms can deter individuals from stepping into active leadership roles. Building trust within teams is essential, as followers may initially resist engaging fully in collaborative processes due to established hierarchies and traditional perceptions of leadership.• Cultural Context of Leadership: Attention to the wisdom embedded in non-Western leadership philosophies, such as Ubuntu, which emphasize collective well-being and community involvement against the individualistic tendencies dominant in Western models.• 🕊️ Future Implications: If leaders embrace their role as convenors, they may mitigate feelings of loneliness and anxiety often associated with leadership by creating a supportive, collaborative environment that alleviates the burdens of decision-making.• Youth as Change Agents: Younger generations demonstrate a natural inclination toward collaboration and agility that contrasts with older paradigms of leadership. Their fresh perspective challenges structures of authority and can drive significant change if adequately harnessed.• Impact of Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence, , emerges as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Leaders can leverage it to foster inclusive conversations that encourage collective solutions and creativity.