Five challenges shaping today’s workplace—and the leadership skills needed to navigate them

by | Jul 6, 2026 | Michigan Model, Strategies and Tips, Lindy Greer, Sanger Research Lab

As organizations adapt to evolving technologies, shifting employee expectations, and new ways of working, leaders are facing increasingly complex challenges.

In this Michigan Ross faculty discussion, Sanger Faculty Director Lindy Greer and Sanger Research Lab member Dave Mayer explore five issues shaping today’s workplace and share insights on how leaders can help teams thrive.

The conversation highlights challenges related to hybrid work, ethical leadership, and leading diverse teams—all areas that require leaders to navigate complexity and adapt to change.

Many of the challenges discussed by Greer and Mayer reflect the core tensions explored in the Michigan Model of Leadership, including balancing people and performance and balancing structure and innovation.

Watch the full discussion to learn how leaders can help teams succeed in a rapidly evolving workplace.