‘Love’ is not a term usually uttered in the same sentence as ‘leadership’. But if Covid19 has taught us anything it’s that there is enormous value in leaders who are empathic, compassionate and yes, even loving.
We have learned that we need to resilience in the face of crisis and to be resilient, our people need to be the best possible versions of themselves. The leaders who are thriving in this post-pandemic environment are those who are connecting with the people around them in a genuinely human way. These are the people with high levels of social influence.
The ancient Greeks referred to agape, which roughly translates as “the highest form of love for all humanity”. This type of love is not sentimental or romantic love. It’s more to do with wanting and seeking the best for others. How simple and how wonderful is that?!
As leaders, we can practice and model agape simply by being interested in the people we lead and serve and by being present, compassionate and kind. None of this is difficult.
It’s important to understand that leading with love does not entail any kind of attempt to control or manipulate other people’s emotions. Nor is it about avoiding conflict. Instead, this new creed of leadership asks us to lead as a human, not as a robot. It asks us to consider, respect and care for each individual.
It also calls upon us to do what we can to see our people flourish both personally and professionally through environments where people thrive. When people are encouraged and supported to be their best, they are more productive, creative and loyal. Organisational success is almost a happy by-product.
I find that many organisations – too many, in my view – still believe leadership must entail being cut-throat, aggressive and even a bit mean. Certainly these were the ‘role models’ all around me as a young person. And there have been many times across history when that approach was needed.
But if trust was important before Covid19, it sure as hell is now.
For this reason alone, I believe that love is now worthy of consideration as a serious business strategy at a time when we are being dared to lead with our whole selves.
Leading with love – where to start
- Focus on positivity
- Never, ever gossip
- Develop the capacity of your people across all domains of their live – not just their professional capacity
- Prioritise value above cost (where you can!)
- Provide permission to experiment and fail
- Let kindness be your first principle
- Learn how to truly ‘listen’
- Find out about the strengths and aspirations of each of your people
- Learn and follow up on key details of their lives
- Have and model high standards based on excellence (rather than punishment for poor performance)
- Create spaces and time for human connection
- Help each team member understand the value they deliver to the organisation
- Hire for kindness, teamwork and a growth mindset
- Provide regular feedback – positive where it’s due, constructive where it’s needed
- Learn to lead yourself with love.
Want to go deeper? Get in touch to chat about my workshops, team-building days and longer-form programs – karen@o2advisory.com.au.
