Embracing Humanity In Leadership

Embracing Humanity In Leadership

In the whirlwind of my professional life, balancing the roles of a marketing professional, executive coach, mom, TRE and mental fitness facilitator, I've found myself grappling with the challenge of fulfilling commitments—both to myself and publishing monthly for readers of Banking On Mindfulness. It's been a period of intense growth and learning, not just in my professional capacities, but also in understanding the deep-seated need for self-compassion in leadership.

As Joanna Macy profoundly states, "The heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe." This quote resonates deeply with the journey of self-compassion, highlighting that in our moments of vulnerability, we find the capacity for boundless empathy and strength. Alfred Adler, a pioneer in psychology, emphasised that our feelings of inferiority and our striving for superiority are fundamental motivators in our lives. Understanding this helps us see that self-compassion is not a weakness but a necessary step towards authentic leadership.

The Human Side of Leadership

Leadership is often portrayed as a solitary journey, filled with high expectations and relentless self-judgment. We strive for perfection, fearing that any sign of weakness will diminish our credibility. Yet, it is precisely in acknowledging our humanity—our flaws, our limitations—that we find true strength. As Lao Tzu wisely noted, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." This speaks to the essence of humble leadership, where the focus is on empowering others rather than seeking personal recognition.

Leadership can be likened to the craft of a gardener tending to a diverse garden. Each plant represents a team member, each with unique needs and potential. The gardener’s role is to create the conditions for each plant to thrive, recognising that the beauty of the garden lies in its diversity and interconnectedness. "To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart," said Eleanor Roosevelt, emphasising the importance of empathy in leadership. Self-compassion is not about excusing our failures but about recognising that we are all works in progress, capable of growth and improvement.

When a leader is driven by the pursuit of glory rather than the desire to serve others, it often leads to a breakdown in trust and collaboration within the team. Alfred Adler's perspective on psychology reveals that such a leader may be compensating for deep-seated feelings of inferiority. This need for personal validation can result in a leadership style that prioritises self-interest over the well-being of the group, creating a toxic environment where fear and competition overshadow cooperation and support.

People can interpret this behavior as a sign of insecurity and lack of genuine confidence. It's important for those on the receiving end to have compassion for such leaders, understanding that they may not even recognise what they are revealing to the world. Adler's theories suggest that true leadership arises from a sense of community and social interest, where the leader's primary goal is to uplift and empower others, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.

Sunday Times Headlines, Sunday 16 June 2024


Workplace Well-being

Recent findings from the 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report by Gallup paint a stark picture of the current state of employee well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa. With 75% of employees intending to leave their jobs and high levels of daily stress and loneliness, it's clear that our workplaces are in crisis. These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect the lived experiences of countless individuals struggling to find fulfillment and connection in their work. As highlighted in the Sunday Times article, "Africa’s Unhappy Workforce," the situation is dire.

David Bohm once said, "To change your reality, you have to change your inner thoughts". This insight into consciousness reminds us that the external world is a mirror of the internal state of our leaders. The statistics are a reflection of the inner turmoil and disconnection prevalent in leadership today.

The report also found that Sub-Saharan Africa has the second-highest number of workers experiencing daily loneliness and stress, with 26% feeling lonely at work daily. This is second only to South Asia, where 29% of workers expressed similar feelings. Furthermore, just 20% of the workforce in the region were fully engaged in their jobs, while 63% were disengaged, and 17% were actively disengaged. These figures underscore a critical need for a shift in leadership practices to address these challenges.

Empathy and Compassion in Leadership

Alfred Adler's psychological theories emphasise the importance of community and social interest. As leaders, we have a profound responsibility to foster environments where empathy and compassion are central. This means actively listening to our team members, creating spaces for open dialogue, and implementing initiatives that support mental health and well-being. Joan Halifax beautifully captures this sentiment: "Compassion is not an attribute. It is a way of life that manifests in our actions." Similarly, Gillian Tett, in her book "Anthro-Vision," argues that understanding cultural context and practicing empathy are crucial for effective leadership. By doing so, we not only improve individual lives but also enhance organisational performance.

A generative scribe that summarizes Anthro-Vision: A Way To See In Business And Life by Gillian Tett

Call to Action

I invite all leaders to take a moment of reflection. Assess your practices, acknowledge your imperfections, and commit to a path of personal and professional growth. Embrace empathy and compassion as core tenets of your leadership style. Remember, the impact of a leader extends far beyond immediate business outcomes; it shapes the culture and values of entire organisations. We must move from managing people to inspiring them, creating environments where they can thrive and contribute their best work.

Conclusion

As we commemorate South Africa's Youth Day, let us be inspired by the resilience and potential of the younger generation. On June 16, 1976, thousands of students in Soweto protested against the oppressive apartheid regime, demanding better education and equal rights. Their bravery and determination sparked a movement that contributed significantly to the eventual dismantling of apartheid. This history teaches us that oppressive systems stifle potential and that true leadership involves recognising and nurturing the inherent value in every individual.

Let us draw lessons from the past to inform our future. By fostering a culture of compassion and unity, we can create workplaces that not only achieve business success but also contribute to a more humane and inclusive society. Together, we can build a legacy of empathy and connection that will resonate for generations to come. The journey of leadership is ongoing, and every step taken with empathy and compassion brings us closer to a better future.


Anna Leong

PCC, CPCC, Partner at Leadership Coefficient, VerticalQ Practitioner

5 个月

Michelle Ashen (she/her), a timely call to action for leaders to lead with humility and compassion. I am with you.

Rena Calip

Divisional Manager | Supplying Virtual Assistants to Businesses

5 个月

I loved the analogy of leadership being akin to tending a diverse garden. It vividly illustrates the importance of understanding and nurturing each team member's unique needs and potential.?

Quintus Jansen

Creative Entrepreneur | Project Manager | Brand, Media Content Manager & Strategist | Creative Director | Art Director | Event Producer | Event Manager | Movement Facilitator | Choreographer

5 个月

Great article Michelle.

Michelle Ashen (she/her) very thoughtful and compassionately said and done. Your call for leaders to decide to lead differently is well made and timely. It can't be leadership as usual, the time to change is now.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Michelle Ashen (she/her)的更多文章

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了