Leaders' role: now and then

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to assess the project leader's role in normal and new normal situations. This study aims to investigate the project leadership role in unforeseen situations and the new normal situations.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on the content and contextual analysis. Most of the information was covered in the daily newspapers and practices were recorded in the media and social media. Moreover, recent articles were consulted for the comprehension of the phenomenon.FindingsThe study finds that leaders are supposed to develop strategies to balance the organizational needs and workers' priorities. An agile approach, empathetic and collaborative approach may be more helpful to handle volatility, unstable situations, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe study leaders are expected to develop new strategies, collaborative thinking and a healthy workplace environment for social, emotional, physical, and psychological safety to make projects more productive.Originality/valueThe review assessed the kind of leaders required in the new normal situation after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the globe. Such a contribution is anticipated to serve as a call for emerging leadership frameworks for the VUCA work environments of the future.