Becoming a More Humane Leader

Posted on by consciousempathyatwork

“Leadership is liberating people to do what is required of them in the most effective and humane way possible.”

Max De Pree

Most of us think we have to make a difficult, binary choice between being a good person or being a tough and effective leader. This is a false dichotomy.

In truth, doing hard things is often the most human thing to do. Depending on the results, it may also be an act of vulnerability.

To become a more humane leader, utilizing emotionally intelligent behaviors, such as wisdom and compassion, create organizational change and adaptability that is sustainable.

In extensive studies, researchers share that when a leader demonstrates both wisdom and compassion – employee wellness and productivity increases dramatically.

The difference was significant: Job satisfaction was 86% higher for an employee who works for such a leader.

Unlearning traditional leadership and management principles is the first step. Creating a culture of compassion and empowerment allows people to be more creative, innovative, and build more trusting and empathetic work relationships.

In the EY’s 2021 Empathy in Business survey, their results showed that 54% of employees left their last job because the boss was not empathetic.

According to their research, employees agree that mutual empathy between leaders and employees increases:
– Loyalty (88%)
– Efficiency (87%)
– Creativity (87%)
– Innovation (86%)
– Company Revenue (81%)

By shifting perspective to someone else’s needs, listening intently, and reflecting on how to be of service, the focus is on genuine human connections and positive influence.

A good leader values his team today, but also builds in growth and opportunities for future challenges and employee potentials. Those that are most inspirational and transformational blend their abilities until they are just right (not too hot and not too cold as the story goes).

Those who lead, or influence others wherever they are in an organization, generate more respect, trust, and collaboration by showing their honesty and willingness to consider others’ opinions and values. In continued times of uncertainty, being human is the only consistency we have.