Crises bring out the human side of leaders, and the Great Resignation has been no exception. As leaders consider what it might mean to embrace a more human-centric way of leading people, we’re witnessing companies take steps to humanize their workplace culture in real time.
In the face of rising stress and mental health challenges at work, a four-day workweek pilot program is now underway in Canada, and many parts of the U.S., that prioritizes quality of life for workers—and eliminates unnecessary meetings. Meanwhile, the Portuguese government recently introduced a law that bans employers from contacting their workers outside regular hours by phone, message, or email, so that workers get to rest and enjoy valuable family time.
Across the world, we are seeing a shift as leaders catch on to the fact that the old ways of leading simply won’t work anymore. Instead, we need emotionally intelligent leaders who lead with empathy to carry us into the future of work.
In my book, The Humanized Leader, I talk about a simple mantra we can follow to create a more human workplace—one that humanizes the employee experience.
Remember this phrase: A humanized leader is FACTUAL, DIRECT, NEUTRAL, and KIND.
- FACTUAL: Humble enough to put facts before opinions.
- DIRECT: Willing to speak, lead, and coach with a direct style, so that everyone understands what’s expected of them.
- NEUTRAL: Able to identify and manage emotional triggers in order to maintain a neutral stance.
- KIND: Engaging in relationships in such a way that kindness rules.
A humanized leader is self-aware, knowing both their strengths and weaknesses, and is willing to share both with their teams.
A humanized leader finds the level-set. Positional power is not the leading indicator; rather, collaboration, team, parity, and inclusion lead the way.
A humanized leader optimizes other humans—defining success, coaching for performance, offering feedback to improve, encouraging learning from mistakes, and showing appreciation.
Ultimately, a humanized leader is just that—a human. A human who is willing to accept and appreciate the humanity in others.
How will you humanize your leadership by weaving kindness and empathy through all the ways that you manage others?
If you need more ideas, check out my book, The Humanized Leader, now available as a paperback, e-book, and audiobook!
Mary Pat Knight is CEO of Leaders Inspired – an executive coaching and consulting agency devoted to the development of emotionally intelligent leaders. She is also the author of the Amazon #1 International Best Selling book, The Humanized Leader.
The ground-breaking new book, The Humanized Leader: The Transformative Power of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership to Impact Culture, Team and Business Results, is now available in Kindle, paperback, or as an audiobook. To get your copy – or extras for your team, click the button below.
