Human Leadership: Authentic, Empathetic, and Adaptive Leadership for Better Retention

By the team of mental health professionals at ThoughtFull . 4 min read

According to a 2022 survey by Gallup, an astonishing 44% of employees feel stressed or burned out at work. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for an evolution in leadership practices– ones that are more human-centric, empathetic, and adaptable. 

In a rapidly changing work environment, human leadership not only fosters better retention but also enhances the overall well-being of employees. Here, we will explore the crucial characteristics of human leadership and provide actionable tips for nurturing these traits within teams.

Authentic Leadership: Building Trust and Transparency

Authentic leadership is anchored in honesty, integrity, and consistency, forming the foundation of a transparent workplace. Honesty involves open communication and truthfulness, while integrity aligns actions with core values, and consistency ensures steady principles and behaviour. Together, these elements build trust and create an environment where leaders and team members can express their genuine feelings and values. By embracing these principles, organisations cultivate a culture that resonates with employees, encouraging engagement and retention.

Tips

Be Open and Honest: Sharing personal values and admitting mistakes fosters an environment where everyone feels they can be themselves. Activities like open forums and regular team meetings where all opinions are encouraged can further this culture.

Seek Feedback Regularly: Continuous learning and improvement can be achieved by regularly seeking feedback through methods such as anonymous surveys or one-on-one meetings, and it is essential to create clear channels for feedback and address them transparently.

Provide Platforms Where Employees Can Express Themselves: Platforms that prioritise providing spaces for employees to express themselves, play a crucial role in nurturing a supportive work environment, empowering individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns openly and authentically.

Empathetic Leadership: Connecting on a Human Level

Empathetic leadership involves understanding and connecting with others' feelings. This type of leadership style enhances collaboration and builds strong, cohesive teams by promoting a culture where people feel heard and valued. By demonstrating empathy, leaders create a sense of trust and psychological safety, enabling individuals to bring their whole selves to the team and creating an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive. 

Tips

Actively Listen:

Active listening in every interaction is important for effective communication. This can include pausing before responding, repeating what you've heard for clarity, and avoiding interruptions that might hinder the flow of conversation. By doing this, individuals demonstrate respect and create a space where others feel heard and valued. 

Show Genuine Concern:

Respond to personal or professional challenges with compassion. This might involve offering flexible working hours during a personal crisis or offering further support through mental health programs. 

Offer Mental Health Breaks:

It is important to understand that employees may feel overwhelmed at times. Giving mental health days that are separate from sick and vacation leave may help them manage their stress and allow individuals to prioritise their mental well-being and recharge. 

Adaptive Leadership: Being Flexible in a Changing Landscape

Adaptive leadership emphasises flexibility and responsiveness, key traits for navigating the complexities of today's ever-changing business landscape. Leaders who embrace change and encourage creative thinking create resilient teams that succeed in dynamic environments. This approach requires an open mind, willingness to experiment, and the ability to learn from both successes and failures. By fostering a culture of adaptability, leaders empower their teams to innovate, respond effectively to unforeseen challenges, and seize new opportunities.

Tips

Encourage Creativity: Promote creativity by running regular brainstorming sessions and implementing a suggestion box online where ideas are reviewed and rewarded. This helps team members feel more involved, especially when there are workers working in the hybrid set-up.

Embrace Change: Demonstrate adaptability as a leader by actively trying new technologies, methodologies, and strategies that enhance the way work is done. Encourage employees to explore and experiment with innovative approaches. Sharing success stories and lessons learned through regular newsletters or meetings reinforces the importance of embracing change and encourages a growth mindset throughout the organisation.

Provide Flexible Work Arrangements: Provide employees with the option to work in a hybrid model, which provides them with control over their work and schedule. Allowing this flexibility acknowledges the diverse needs and preferences of employees, ultimately contributing to higher levels of job satisfaction and performance.

The Impact of Leadership on Mental Health

Leadership plays an integral role in shaping the mental well-being of employees. In 2022, 50% of employees were found to leave their workplace for mental health reasons. A leader's behaviour, communication style, and decision-making can either create a supportive environment or contribute to workplace stress, which has a direct impact on an employee's mental health. Positive leadership influences include:

Supportive Communication:

Leaders who actively listen and communicate with empathy can make employees feel valued and understood. This reduces feelings of isolation and boosts morale.

Acknowledgment and Recognition:

Regularly recognising and rewarding employee achievements fosters self-worth and motivation.

Providing Growth Opportunities:

Offering continuous learning and career advancement options can alleviate feelings of stagnation and burnout.

On the other hand, negative leadership influences include:

Micromanagement:

Overly controlling leaders can cause feelings of suffocation, reducing employee autonomy and leading to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction.

Inconsistency:

Leaders who are unpredictable in their decision-making create an atmosphere of uncertainty, which can heighten anxiety among team members.

Poor Feedback Mechanisms:

Inadequate or overly critical feedback without constructive advice can lead to decreased self-esteem and increased job-related anxiety.

Leaders hold the power to cultivate environments that either uplift or diminish the mental health of their teams. As organisations evolve, it becomes imperative for leaders to recognize this impact and actively foster a positive, supportive workplace culture for the holistic well-being of every team member.

Empower Your Team 

Human leadership is essential in today's work environment. By prioritising authenticity, empathy, and adaptability, organisations create a culture that not only retains top talent but also enriches the lives of all team members. By shifting towards a healthier workplace culture and leveraging new technology and innovation, leaders take significant steps toward a more collaborative, productive, and resilient workplace.

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