We’ve all experienced it before: the out-of-touch leader who believes that their position of authority grants them the right to bark orders and expect immediate compliance. In reality, effective leadership goes far beyond meeting monthly KPIs. It involves working alongside the team, understanding their needs, and seeing their humanity.
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that includes both natural abilities and learned skills. As a society, we often envision leaders as strong, outspoken individuals, inadvertently sidelining those who are more timid or soft-spoken. However, true leadership is about character and the willingness to grow and learn.
“Leadership transcends a mere degree or certificate; it is more tangible than a piece of paper. While certification is necessary for leadership roles, a leader themselves must be regarded as more than that. Leadership is fostering trust, safety, and loyalty; it is inspiring those who report to you and around you; it is encouraging collaboration. Leadership requires an explicit understanding that you are meant to guide, not dictate,” says A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach.
This perspective challenges the traditional view that formal education alone makes someone fit to lead. Instead, it highlights the importance of personal qualities such as empathy, compassion, and the ability to foster a culture of growth. These are qualities that cannot be taught in a classroom but are developed through continuous self-awareness and improvement.
In the workplace, leaders who prioritize their personal growth are more likely to encourage the same from their employees. This creates a positive feedback loop where both the leader and the team are continually evolving and improving. “In order to achieve that, empathy and compassion are vital; two things that a degree simply cannot teach you. It is personal. Professional coaching enhances that personal connection and motivates executives to utilize that uniqueness in their professional development,” Mizes adds.
This approach to leadership development emphasizes the human element. Leaders are not just authority figures but mentors and guides who work alongside their team members, helping them to reach their full potential. This requires a shift from a top-down management style to one that is more collaborative and supportive.
The Human Reach, for example, offers executive coaching designed to support leaders as they find their purpose and bring a human touch to their professional roles. This coaching is not just about improving business metrics but about helping leaders develop the interpersonal skills needed to inspire and motivate their teams.
By integrating personal growth with professional achievement, leaders can create a more cohesive and effective workplace. This is particularly important in today’s rapidly changing business environment, where the ability to adapt and evolve is crucial for success. Leaders who can marry their personal development with their professional roles are better equipped to navigate these changes and lead their teams to success.
“Leadership is about character coupled with the willingness to learn and grow,” Mizes emphasizes. This means that even natural-born leaders have a thing or two to learn. They must be open to feedback, willing to adapt, and committed to continuous self-improvement. By doing so, they can create a work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
In conclusion, effective leadership is not just about achieving business goals but about creating a positive and supportive work environment. It involves working alongside the team, understanding their needs, and seeing their humanity. By prioritizing personal growth and interpersonal development, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams, leading to greater success for the entire organization.
So, the next time you encounter a leader who seems out of touch, remember that leadership is about more than just barking orders. It is about guiding, supporting, and inspiring those around you. And that is something that even the most naturally gifted leaders need to continuously strive for.
Photo by Dylan Gillis