10 Qualities of Heart-Centered Leaders: Strong and Kind

Heart-centered leaders have many of these 10 values: courage, candid, curiosity, centered, calm, connection, confrontation, consideration, care, and clarity.

Jacinda Ardern emerged as a beacon of heart-centered leadership in New Zealand. Ascending to the role of Prime Minister in 2017, her leadership mantra summarizes the intent behind heart-centered leadership: "Be strong, and be kind."

"Be strong, and be kind." Jacinda Ardern

But what is heart-centered leadership? It's not about being a pushover, avoiding confrontation, or merely being "nice." It’s about speaking up in the right way. It's a leadership style that thrives on openness, assertiveness, and genuine concern. It's especially helpful in emotionally charged situations, during conflict resolution, or when delivering challenging news.

Drawing inspiration from global leaders, let's delve into the ten principles that define heart-centered leadership.

1. Courage

Courage is the quality that allows us to take a step forward despite the fear of negative consequences or personal risk. It's not about avoiding conflict but navigating it with genuine intent. Consider Rosa Parks in 1955, Montgomery, Alabama. Her assertive refusal to give up her bus seat wasn't just about a seat; it was a courageous stand against racial injustice. Like Parks, heart-centered leaders confront challenges head-on, driven by a genuine desire for positive change.

"Without courage dreams die." Rosa Parks

2. Candid

Transparency is the hallmark of candid communication. It's like presenting a gift without the wrapping—clear, direct, and genuine. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, exemplified this. His candid feedback, though sometimes blunt, was always rooted in a quest for excellence. For heart-centered leaders, candidness paves the way for genuine progress.

3. Clarity

Without clarity, conversations can feel incomplete. Without clarity, misunderstandings are common and efforts are wasted. That’s why great communicators invest in clarity. Steve Jobs had a clear vision for Apple, ensuring the vision was clear to employees, and that every product had clear design and functionality for the customers.

"Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity." Nat Turner

4. Curiosity

Curiosity is the compass that guides us away from relationship-killing assumptions. It's about seeking to understand, asking the deeper questions, and genuinely listening. Oprah Winfrey's interviews resonate with millions because of her innate curiosity. She dives deep, seeking the essence of her guests, teaching us that true understanding stems from genuine curiosity.

"Be curious, not judgmental." Walt Whitman

5. Centered

Being centered is the anchor of hot, messy, and emotional challenges. It's about being present, attuned to the moment, and genuinely engaged. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's miraculous landing on the Hudson River exemplifies this. Amidst a crisis, his centered approach saved 155 lives, underscoring the power of composed leadership.

"Stay centered by accepting what you are doing." Chuang-Tzu

6. Calm

Calm is the lighthouse guiding ships to safety. It allows us to be present and project confidence. It allows others to open up. In crisis situations, calm is a very attractive trait. Warren Buffett's investment strategies during the 2008 financial crisis showcased this. While the world panicked, Buffett's calm approach led to strategic investments, reiterating that calmness can be a strategic advantage.

"Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." Warren Buffet, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

7. Connection

Before diving deep into conversations, establish a connection. It eases tension, increases patience, and allows for benefit of doubt. There are many ways to build strong connections with people. Howard Schultz, during a challenging period for Starbucks, emphasized the importance of rekindling the connection with customers. He believed that by reconnecting with their roots and prioritizing the customer experience, they could turn things around. He also invested in connection with employees during trying times, creating a feeling of unity.

"We're not in the coffee business serving people; we're in the people business serving coffee." Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks

8. Confrontation

There are many misconceptions around confrontation. When done right, confrontation offers relief. It's not about conflict, but about addressing bottled-up feelings and concerns. Guided by the heart, confrontation becomes a bridge to understanding, not a barrier. In 2005, Bob Iger, the then CEO of Disney, and Steve Jobs, CEO of Pixar at the time, were on the brink of ending their partnership. Bob decided to directly confrontat Steve Jobs during a tense period for Disney and Pixar led to open dialogue and eventually, Disney's acquisition of Pixar.

"Confrontation simply means meeting the truth head-on." Mike Krzyzewski

9. Consideration

Being attentive to the other person's feelings, time, and energy is the essence of consideration. It's not tiptoeing around issues but addressing them with genuine attention. Jeff Bezos always considered the customer first, coining the term "customer obsession." It’s about considering the other’s perspective.

"Consideration for others is the basic of a good life, a good society." Confucius

10. Caring

Heart-centered assertiveness is about expressing concerns enveloped in genuine care. It’s about holding others accountable in a caring way. Showing you care about your team and others also helps build resilience. Jacinda Ardern's leadership style, especially evident in her response to national crises, is often described as empathetic and caring.

"The simple act of caring is heroic." Edward Albert

Conclusion

Heart-centered leadership is not about being soft or avoiding confrontation. It's about leading with authenticity, understanding, and genuine concern for others. As Jacinda Ardern's leadership style suggests, it's possible to be both strong and kind. In a world that often feels divided, heart-centered leadership offers a path to unity, understanding, and genuine progress. Remember, your leadership style can make a difference. Choose to lead from the heart.

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In summary, here are 10 values heart-centered leaders cultivate in their interactions and communication:

1. Courage: It's not about avoiding challenges but facing them with genuine intent.
2. Candid: Clear, direct communication is the key to genuine progress.
3. Curiosity: Seek to understand. Dive deep and ask the meaningful questions.
4. Centered: Stay present and engaged, especially during challenges.
5. Calm: In the face of adversity, a calm approach can be your strategic advantage.
6. Connection: It's the heart of every interaction. Build it before diving deep.
7. Confrontation: Address concerns head-on, but always with understanding.
8. Consideration: Value others' feelings, time, and energy.
9. Care: Express concerns with genuine care and empathy.
10. Clarity: Ensure your vision and message are clear to all.

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To dive deeper into the 10 qualities of Heart-Centered Leadership, listen to this podcast episode on the Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast.

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If you'd like to go deeper into some of the values of heart-centered leadership, here are some follow-up episodes suggestions:

• 10 Proven Courage Habits: Speak Up At Work Even If You're Scared
• How To Find Courage To Speak Up (4 Examples)
• 10 Conflict And Confrontation Myths Debunked
• 6 Conflict Myths: Lies Teachers Like To Tell About Confrontation
• 3 Ways Confident Communicators Seek Clarity
• The Power of Caring Accountability: The Story of the Surprising Empathy of a Strict College Professor
• How to Build Strong Connections With People: 4 Strategies Revealed
• 15 Ways To Show You Care About Your Team To Build Resilience For Hard Conversations
• The Two Assumptions That are Slowly Poisoning Your Relationships At Work And Home
• 4 Reasons Why It Is Important For Leaders To Speak Up