By Deb Boelkes

I’m routinely asked to speak about a variety of leadership issues with management groups around the country. Two of the most requested topics lately are: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture, and How to Lead in Times of Chaos. 

I was recently asked to also provide an Industry and Market Trends overview as the lead-in to a talk addressing both afore-mentioned topics. Knowing this audience would be varied, both in terms of industry representation and management level, I focused the overview portion on Macrotrends—from geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts to supply chain infrastructures, emerging technologies, and shifts in business culture. As you can imagine, the synopsis of what’s happening in the world these days was rather ominous.

In terms of workplace trends, I reviewed recent survey findings published by some of the most respected think tanks and pollsters. Surprisingly, ...