The Soft Power of Good People Managers: Leading with Empathy, Delivering Results

In the fast-paced world of business, we often hear about the importance of innovation, strategy, and execution. But there's another element that’s just as crucial—yet often overlooked—the soft power of good people managers. These are the leaders who go beyond the numbers and strategies, focusing on the most important asset any company has: its people.

A good people manager isn’t just someone who drives results; they are the ones who take the time to listen, who say hello in the morning, and who genuinely care about the lives of those on their team. They’re the ones who remember your child’s name, who ask how your weekend was, and who make sure you know that your contributions are valued.

Why Soft Power Matters

Leadership isn’t just about giving orders or setting goals; it’s about building relationships. When leaders show empathy and take the time to understand their team members as individuals, they create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to do their best work. This isn’t just about being nice—there’s hard evidence that companies led by people-focused managers see higher employee engagement, lower turnover, and ultimately, better business results.

Prominent Leaders Who Exemplify Soft Power

Several leaders stand out as shining examples of this soft power in action:

1. Satya Nadella, CEO of @Microsoft - Nadella has been widely praised for transforming Microsoft’s culture from one of competition to one of collaboration. His leadership is marked by empathy and a focus on continuous learning, which has driven Microsoft to new heights.
2. Mary Barra, CEO of @General Motors - Barra is known for her inclusive leadership style and her commitment to creating a culture of transparency and respect. She listens to her employees and is deeply involved in fostering a sense of community within the company.
3. Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of @PepsiCo - Nooyi was renowned for her people-first approach to leadership. She famously wrote personal letters to the parents of her executives, thanking them for their contributions—a small gesture that had a big impact on morale and loyalty.
4. Paul Polman, Former CEO of @Unilever - Polman led with a clear focus on sustainability and social responsibility, but it was his genuine care for his employees that set him apart. He believed in empowering people at all levels of the company, fostering a culture where everyone felt they could make a difference.

A Thank You to the Leaders Who Get It

To these leaders and many others like them, thank you. Thank you for understanding that the true strength of a company lies not in its products, services, or even its strategy, but in its people. Thank you for leading with empathy, for listening, for taking the time to know your teams, and for making sure that every person who works with you feels valued.

Special Thanks to Patrycja Sobera

I’d like to take a moment to personally thank Patrycja Sobera from @Unisys for her time and insights. Patrycja is a remarkable people leader who exemplifies the power of empathy and effective communication. She understands the importance of the soft side of leadership while being incredibly sharp, efficient, and globally skilled. Her ability to connect with her team and lead with both heart and mind is a testament to the incredible impact that people-focused leadership can have on an organization.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let’s take a page from these leaders’ playbooks. Let’s invest in our people, not just as employees, but as individuals with lives, families, and dreams. Because when we do, we’re not just building better companies—we’re building better futures for everyone involved.