Karthik Ramanna, a Professor at the University of Oxford and author of "The Age of Outrage," dives deep into leading amidst societal division and anger. He discusses the unique characteristics of today's 'age of outrage,' highlighting the challenges of distrust and fear. Ramanna emphasizes the virtue of temperance in leadership, promoting dialogue and inclusivity. He shares insights from IKEA's moral struggles in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the complexities of maintaining integrity in global markets. Practical frameworks for navigating these turbulent times are also presented.
Leaders in today's polarized world must prioritize temperance and active listening to foster trust and community-driven solutions.
Acknowledging their limitations, leaders should focus on manageable aspects of outrage and empower others to propose collaborative solutions.
Deep dives
Understanding the Age of Outrage
The current age is characterized by a heightened sense of outrage, influenced by three significant factors: fear of the future, low trust in institutions, and a growing sense of othering among people. Individuals are concerned about technological advancements, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, fearing societal disruption similar to that caused by the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, there is a pervasive distrust among the middle and working-class populations, who feel marginalized by elites, especially regarding issues like globalization and tax inequality. This combination of fear, distrust, and othering creates an environment where leadership must adapt to navigate the complexities of societal outrage effectively.
Key Leadership Qualities for Today
In this age of outrage, traditional leadership qualities centered around courage and rousing rhetoric may not suffice; instead, temperance has emerged as a vital quality for leaders. Temperance involves actively listening to stakeholders and creating conditions for bottom-up solutions, as exemplified by historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Itzhak Rabin. These leaders demonstrated the ability to balance strong views with a willingness to let solutions arise from the community rather than imposing their will. This approach fosters trust and collaboration, essential for leading effectively in a polarized environment.
Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience
Leaders must acknowledge that they cannot address all aspects of the outrage and should focus on manageable parts within their organization’s capabilities. They need to accept that, despite their best efforts, they may still be perceived as part of the problem due to their position of power. The key to resilience lies in creating environments that empower others to provide solutions while being transparent about limitations and expectations. Cultivating a culture that encourages input from various levels can alleviate pressure from leaders and promote a collaborative approach to overcoming contemporary challenges.
The world feels more divided than ever, with anger permeating every level of society. For leaders, this creates challenges that range from difficult to seemingly impossible. How can they manage anger among employees, stakeholders, and external pressures? In the latest episode of Rotman Visiting Experts, Professor Karthik Ramanna discusses his new book, The Age of Outrage: How to Lead in a Polarizing World, and shares a practical framework for navigating these turbulent times.
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