What Impact Does Human-Centric Leadership Have?
You wake up thrilled to go to work not because of the free coffee (though that’s a plus) but because you feel seen, heard, valued and know that what you do matters. That is human-centric leadership.
For instance, the 2023 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends survey revealed that 94% of respondents believe leadership capabilities are crucial to organisational success, yet only 23% think their leaders are well-prepared to lead in today's disruptive environment.
This gap represents an immediate need for more approaches to human-centric leadership. Read on to discover how this style of leadership can increase your happiness levels, productivity — and maybe even make the coffee taste sweeter.
Building a Happy Tribe
Let’s face it – work can be stressful. Deadlines loom, projects pile up and sometimes you just want to crawl under your desk. Human-centric leadership acknowledges this; it is about creating a safe space for employees where they feel comfortable enough to open up about their concerns or problems.
This doesn't mean there's no accountability – it's about striking a balance. Human-centric leaders prioritise well-being. They offer flexible work arrangements, encourage breaks, and recognize achievements, big or small. This focus on employee happiness creates a loyal and motivated workforce.
Think about it – when you’re feeling good, don’t you go the extra mile? Happy employees become brand advocates who attract new talent and create positive working cultures across businesses– so really, everyone wins!
Unleashing Creativity and Innovation
Innovation thrives in environments where employees feel safe and valued. Human-centric leadership encourages a culture of openness and creativity. Leaders who promote psychological safety enable their teams to take risks and experiment without fear of failure.
This is particularly important in the fast-paced tech industry in India, where continuous innovation is essential for staying competitive.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that organisations with human-centric leaders are 2.5 times more likely to be leaders in innovation within their industry.
Farewell Burnout, Hello Engagement
Have you ever had so much on your plate that everything just seems impossible? That’s burnout — and it sucks. But human-centric leaders understand workload management; they listen when their staff say they have too much going on then help them figure out what can wait or be delegated.
By prioritising work-life balance these bosses keep people interested without overwhelming them so they stay productive while remaining at the company for ages instead of burning out after six months like we’ve all done before somewhere else probably.
Adapting to Change with Confidence
Change is inevitable in any workplace. But let's be honest, it can be disruptive and stressful. Human-centric leadership helps navigate this.
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These leaders keep their teams informed and involved in the decision-making process as much as possible. This includes:
● They provide clear communication about changes, explaining the "why" behind them and addressing any concerns openly.
● This transparency builds trust and fosters a sense of security.
● Human-centric leaders also invest in employee development, providing training and resources to help them adapt to new situations and technologies.
When employees feel equipped and supported, they're more likely to embrace change as an opportunity for growth, not a source of fear.
Leading from Behind, Not in Front
Gone are the days of a leader who knows everything and always gives orders. The focus of leadership is on humans. These leaders function as coaches or mentors, which means that they make their teams take responsibility for their tasks. They assign tasks to people according to what they can do best and also provide room for growth.
This change places emphasis on individuals’ strengths. People get motivated when they work towards attaining a goal. Employees feel appreciated and trusted hence this leads to them working with more ownership spirit not mentioning better quality outputs at all levels within the organization.
Leaders who put people first celebrate team achievements thereby creating an atmosphere where everyone feels part of success.
It's All About You (and Your Team!)
Human-centric leadership is the future of work. It's about recognizing that your employees are your greatest asset. By prioritising their well-being, fostering creativity, and empowering them to grow, you create a thriving workplace where everyone wins.
So, are you ready to experience the impact of human-centric leadership? Take action today! Start by having open conversations with your team, invest in their development, and create a space where everyone feels valued and heard. You might be surprised at the incredible results you achieve, together.
Vice President of Technology @TeamLease Services | Technology Leadership Coach | Specialized in Digital Strategy & Global Delivery | HR Tech Product Development | Leader in Cloud Migration & AI/ML Solutions
6moHi Sudheer. Great article!. Especially the part about balancing leadership behaviors to foster a valued and connected workforce. It’s great to see how this approach can enhance adaptability during change.
Senior Vice President - Technology at FirstMeridian | Digital Transformation Specialist | Product & Technology Leader | Speaker
7moVery well said 👍