Leadership By All, A Journey To Organizational Success

Claudio Valente Global Head of Talent Management for Ingka Group at IKEA

Organizational leadership faces several challenges as the world around us becomes increasingly complex. Trends, such as organizational delayering, rapid technological advances, and increased employee autonomy and empowerment, require that leaders adapt their approach and styles of leadership to meet these new and constant challenges. Consequently, the focus on leadership has tremendously intensified in recent years, with a common interest to understand and relearn effective leadership practices that befit today’s societal, environmental, and economic circumstances. 

Leadership at IKEA has always been rooted in our culture and values. We see leadership as an action, not a position, and we look for people's values before competence and experience. We know that to achieve our business and sustainability goals and become an even better company, we need bold leaders to lead together to create more value for our customers, ourselves, and the world. This means inclusive, values-based, and by all.

“We see leadership as an action, not a position and we look for people's values before competence and experience.”

In FY22, we launched our new leadership idea: Inclusive values-based leadership by all. This long-term movement aims to boost our entrepreneurial spirit and empower all co-workers to unleash their potential to lead. We move from leadership by the few to everyone who will lead. People are leading the business together. Key elements of our leadership idea are:

Inclusive, brings a sense of belonging and togetherness that enables the best in people. Nurturing this feeling, regardless of our background, identity, position, or assignment, is crucial for our success.

Values-based, at the heart of our leadership is our values. The true IKEA spirit is built on our enthusiasm, constant striving for renewal, cost-consciousness, and readiness to give and take responsibility. 

By all, it takes leadership from each of us to create positive movements in our business. We have the trust and opportunity to make a difference for our customers. We encourage each other to dream big and believe in ourselves. We inspire each other to learn and perform. Together, we continue to grow!

It is only when each one of us is dedicated to our goals and commits to making our culture and values a living reality, that we can truly make a difference. ​Taking responsibility through leadership is a privilege.