When measuring the factors that determine the success of a business, people always think of marketing, product innovation, customer service, and financial strategies. While all of these are correct, they often forget the most important criteria that are responsible for all of those: leadership.
In business, having a competent and firm leader is essential in ensuring all goals are met. However, not many choose to be compassionate and lead with empathy, which can be damaging to teams in the long run.
In recent times, businesses have adopted the gentle leadership strategy. But what is it, and how does it fare better than traditional leadership styles?
Understanding Gentle Leadership
Gentle leadership focuses on compassion, humility, and empathy. This type of leadership style emphasizes collaboration and focuses on the well-being of all team members. In short, gentle leadership highlights the “we” rather than the “me” while being understanding and empathetic.
Why Gentle Leadership is Promoted in Business
It is common in companies to adopt an authoritarian style of leadership, wherein the head is stern and has absolute control over the entire team. However, this rarely produces positive results. Although this pushes employees to work harder, this only reduces their morale and prevents stable collaboration and team building.
On the other hand, gentle leadership and integrity builds solid relationships and inspires through encouragement. A gentle leader encompasses various elements involving emotional intelligence: self-regulation, empathy, self-awareness, motivation, and social skills. Moreover, gentle leaders follow these fundamental principles:
- Empathy and Understanding – gentle leaders listen actively and make an effort to understand the challenges and perspectives of team members.
- Open Communication – Communication is the hallmark of an effective team. A gentle leader promotes healthy communication throughout the group, ensuring all members are heard in honest and respectful dialogues.
- Patience and Respect – Everyone grows at their own pace, and gentle leaders understand that. They are patient and respectful, allowing members to develop and make mistakes.
Gentle Leadership is the Best Leadership
Traditional leaders focus on being right rather than the well-being and progress of the team. This can pull the organization apart and reduce productivity. Meanwhile, a gentle leader considers the needs of not just himself and the business but also of all the members that form his department.
If you are eager to learn how to become a gentle leader, talk to us at IAMX – your steadfast ally in personal and leadership development.