Lena Eliasson and Jessica Häggström continue the topic of outdated leadership
Insights|November 11, 2024
In our latest Roschier Leadership Seminar in Stockholm, industry leaders Lena Eliasson, Chief HR Officer at Saab, and Jessica Häggström, Head of HR at Investor, discussed evolving leadership styles and why some approaches quickly fall out of relevance.
Moderated by Sarah Scheller from Novare Leadership Academy, the conversation explored how leaders can stay adaptable by recognizing key trends and avoiding outdated theories. Both leaders drew on their extensive experience to provide insights into maintaining effectiveness and resilience in today’s fast-paced environment.
Main points from the discussion:
- Adaptability: Embrace curiosity and new technology to keep leadership approaches relevant.
- Self-Leadership: Own your development and maintain energy and relevance.
- Psychological Safety: Foster trust and team cohesion to drive innovation and productivity.
For Lena Eliasson, outdated leadership is evident when innovation stalls and progress halts. “A sign of outdated leadership is when the organization’s innovation is stifled,” she says. Jessica Häggström added, “When there’s a sense of fear in the organization, it signals that something isn’t functioning.” Both emphasized the need for curiosity and openness. “Be curious and open to new ideas. Use new technology and don’t think you can do without it,” says Lena, urging leaders to rely on their team’s expertise rather than assuming they need to be the best at everything.
Jessica highlighted the importance of owning one’s growth: “Each person owns their development. HR can provide support, but individuals must take charge of their own growth.” Lena agreed, noting that relevance in one’s career depends on mindset rather than age: “You control what you bring to the table, your energy, and your relevance. This is something you own yourself.” Balancing the demands of leadership is also essential. Lena encouraged leaders to maintain a life outside of work and broaden perspectives beyond business. “I stopped reading leadership books years ago; now I read fiction or attend theater. I learn as much from King Lear as from some self-help book,” she says.
The seminar also highlighted the value of self-leadership and fostering a psychologically safe environment. “Self-leadership starts with knowing your values, motivations, and goals,” says Jessica. Lena added that acting is essential even amidst uncertainty: “Uncertainty is high today, so the key is to choose a path, pause, then continue or adjust.” Psychological safety is vital for fostering innovation, as Lena emphasized: “If people are to feel safe testing new ideas, they need to trust that it’s okay within the organization.” Jessica further noted the importance of team cohesion: “The most productive teams are those where everyone listens to each other, and speaking time is evenly distributed.”
To remain effective, Jessica encouraged leaders to embrace curiosity and step outside their comfort zones. Lena agreed, highlighting the importance of embracing unpredictability and the human need for enjoyment in work. In this discussion, Lena and Jessica illustrated that adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture are essential for leaders – and their organizations – to remain relevant and resilient in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The Roschier Leadership Seminar series started in 2023. Please find the previous articles in the links below.
Caroline Farberger and Annie Lööf on value-based leadership
Peter Wallenberg Jr. and Lovisa Cavalli Wallenberg on leadership over time and generations
Hans Stråberg on the ultimate leadership
Ambassador Judith Gough on the art of diplomacy
Ice hockey legend and Olympic gold medalist Mats Sundin on sustainable leadership
Ambassadors Wegger Strømmen, Nicola Clase, and Jakob Nymann-Lindegren on diplomatic leadership