In our assessments, surveys, and interviews of over a thousand leaders, many comments stood out, but one in particular was especially powerful and thought-provoking. “Leadership today,” Javier Pladevall, CEO of Volkswagen Audi Retail in Spain, told us, “is about unlearning management and relearning being human.”
Why Do So Many Managers Forget They’re Human Beings?
Tap into people’s need to feel connected.
January 29, 2018
Summary.
As human beings, we are all driven by basic needs for meaning, happiness, human connectedness, and a desire to contribute positively to others. And leaders that truly understands these needs, and lead in a way that enables these intrinsic motivations, have the keys to enable strong loyalty, engagement, and performance. As leaders, we must be humans before managers. This includes being personal, or asking yourself a simple question before making decisions: If my child or parent or good friend worked here, would they appreciate this?; being self-aware, so you can better able to understand and empathize with the people you lead; being selfless; and, most of all, being compassionate.
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New!
HBR Learning
Leading People Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Leading People. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What you need to know about being in charge.