Conscious unbossing : towards a new vision of leadership

Conscious unbossing : towards a new vision of leadership

10 December 2024

A concept, a revolution

Conscious unbossing proposes reinventing the role of the manager, no longer as a supervisor, but as a facilitator. This model is based on empowering employees, enabling them to take autonomous decisions and invest themselves fully in their work. Managers become mentors, unleashing the creative potential of their teams.

Why are we talking about this today ?

The concept meets the high expectations of the new generations, particularly génération Z. A recent study by Robert Walters revealed that 52% of young professionals reject middle management roles. These young professionals are looking for environments where they can flourish, collaborate and have a direct impact without being held back by a heavy hierarchy. Events such as the pandemic have also highlighted the need for more agile and humane organisations. In this context, conscious unbossing represents a natural evolution.

A concrete example : Citizen, an innovative programme

One of the most striking recent examples is AB InBev's Citizen programme. Launched to simplify the hierarchy and give employees more decision-making power, this programme embodies the spirit of conscious unbossing. Teams are given greater autonomy and leeway to innovate, reducing the need to validate each step with their superiors. The result is faster decision-making, greater employee involvement and improved performance.

For the hotel industry, a similar programme could transform departments such as reception or catering by giving teams more initiative, thereby improving the customer experience.

The benefits (and challenges) for businesses

Advantages :
This model boosts motivation, stimulates innovation and improves employee satisfaction.

Challenges :
As Citizen has shown, this type of approach requires a solid framework to avoid confusion and disorganisation. Managers need to be trained for this coaching role, and employees need to be guided to manage their new responsibilities.

In the hotel industry : huge potential

The hotel industry, often characterised by a rigid hierarchical structure, could draw inspiration from conscious unbossing to modernise its practices. For example, training reception teams to make autonomous decisions when faced with unforeseen situations could reduce response times and increase customer satisfaction. Similarly, in a restaurant environment, it could encourage more innovative initiatives.