How to become a human leader
In my earlier post, I highlighted the difference between a traditional leader and a people leader. In essence, a people leader focuses on the team, by helping them reach their full potential and constantly aligning them towards a common goal. On the other hand, a traditional leader focuses on making themselves the “hero”: by making all the decisions and being the smartest person in the room.
In today’s uncertain and volatile world, more people leaders are needed to lead organisations, as no superhero alone has a foolproof recipe to solve complex problems on their own. We need leaders who can articulate a compelling vision, show vulnerability and connect with the bigger team to unlock people’s creativity, productivity and happiness. We need leaders who can accept diverse perspectives in order to win as a team.
1. Learn to be more self-aware
Leadership expert Peter Drucker said, “You cannot manage other people unless you manage yourself first.” Good leadership starts with self-awareness, and self-awareness can be greatly enhanced through the practice of mindfulness.
2. Learn to serve
Leadership is not about us, but about adding value to the people we lead. When we make strategic decisions, be aware of our motivations. Ask yourself whether you’re doing it for your personal gain or for the benefits of others. This doesn’t mean being a doormat and giving in to our people’s demands, but about seeing their true potential and challenging them to stretch themselves, including having uncomfortable conversations with them.
3. Learn to be compassionate
Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. When we’re able to accept that our view of a situation may look very different from someone else’s, we’ll be able to see things differently. Start by truly listening to our employees, both the things being said and the things left unsaid. Doing this well lets your team feel seen and heard.
Unsurprisingly, trying to achieve our organisation’s goals, unlocking our team’s potential, and satisfying our own needs all at the same time isn’t easy. It takes learning and practice, and most importantly, time. But the fulfilment we get when we hit that sweet spot is worth all of it. ●