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You're only human..

Writer's picture: Sarah FarmerSarah Farmer

Are you behaving like one though? (I’d like to hope that the answer is YES 😉)


However, there seems to be the expectation that those in positions of leadership are somehow superhuman.


They should

  • Never get ill

  • Never get cross

  • Never ask questions

  • Never perform badly

  • Never fall or struggle

  • Never admit they don’t know the answer


This is all of course absolute NONSENSE 🙄 The best leaders are the ones who are the most human. Here’s what’s currently happening on the leadership landscape (if you’re still not totally sold on the concept):


❌ In 2022, Microsoft’s “Work Trend Index” suggested that more than half of managers felt burned out at work.


❌ This year, Sage reported that 95% of HR leaders have found their role to be overwhelming, largely down to the excessive workload and stress.


And this one was really interesting…


“Leaders who prioritise managing over interacting are 32% less engaged, 1.5 times more likely to feel burned out by the end of the day, and 2 times more likely to leave within 12 months”.


Remember, the people working around you are looking to you as an example.

If you’re able to admit your challenges and shortcomings, so will they.


So how can you become a more human leader?


Consider working to develop these skills:


  • Accept that brilliant leadership leading to stand-out results starts with prioritising humans, not numbers

  • Become more present and engaged when you’re amongst the team. Join in the conversation and have regular 121s to maintain a communicative relationship

  • Check-in with them about the things that matter - ask if they’re finding anything challenging, how they are coping, is there anything you can do to make their role easier

  • Practice active listening. It’s the famous line “two ears, one mouth” that most leaders struggle to adopt once their workload really piles up. However, when you take the time to really listen, you’ll find that most of this becomes much easier to do…and you will be well rewarded!

  • Provide ongoing feedback, as well as positive reinforcement. It’s one thing to point out where they could be doing better, but it’s quite another to recognise and reward small, consistent efforts towards making those changes AND, don’t forget to focus on what is going well and point this out too.


Feedback is about helping others see what they are doing well so they can repeat it AND areas for potential development.


And finally...


  • Be more open. If you create a “professional distance” between you and your team, you’re preventing honest and open communication. Share your journey, be willing to open yourself up to questions and let them get to know you.


If you start with small, incremental changes, I guarantee that you will see a big change in no time at all.


The question is - are you willing to change and are you ready to start? It should be said that becoming a more human leader does require a significant degree of self-awareness and personal development.


These are often not easy conversations to have with yourself. So, can we have them together?


Get in touch now for your complimentary coaching discovery session and let’s explore how we can help you Lead Brightly 🔆




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