The Three Types of Leadership: Muscle, Brain, and Heart
Beatrice Redi
Empowering Driven Executives with the Mindset and Tools to Transform and Flourish. Positive Leadership & Mental Fitness Coach | Embracing Neurodiversity & DE&I | #IAmRemarkable facilitator | PCC/ICF, CHO?, PQ? |
The choice of leadership style can profoundly shape organizational culture and determine the trajectory of success. But what makes a leader truly effective? Through my coaching experiences and the personal journeys of transformation and resilience shared by my clients and thanks to the inspirational work of Brené Brown , leadership can be distilled into three primary styles: Muscle ??, Brain ??, and Heart ??. Let's explore each type and discover why, now more than ever, the world needs leaders who lead with the heart.
?? Muscle Leadership: Command and Conquer
Muscle leadership exemplifies strength and authority. This style is about setting a course and expecting unwavering compliance. Muscle leaders excel in crisis, driving their teams through challenges with a commanding presence. However, this approach can often lead to a rigid atmosphere that stifles innovation and neglects the emotional welfare of team members. As we navigate a world that increasingly values flexibility and creativity, the limitations of this style become more apparent.
?? Brain Leadership: Strategize and Optimize
Brain leadership focuses on intellect and rationality. Leaders who employ this style are visionaries and problem solvers, using data and strategic analysis to guide their decisions. They are adept at navigating complex business landscapes and driving technological innovation. Yet, this cerebral approach can sometimes detach leaders from the personal aspects of team management, focusing more on systems than on individual team member growth—a theme often revisited in our discussions about fostering holistic development within teams.
?? Heart Leadership: Empathy and Connection
Heart leadership, a style I champion and embody in my practice, prioritizes empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence. This approach aligns closely with the principles of Positive Intelligence and resilience that are central to my coaching philosophy. Heart leaders value their team members' well-being as much as organizational achievements. They cultivate a supportive environment where people feel genuinely cared for, which in turn fosters loyalty, creativity, and resilience. These leaders understand that true strength comes from unity and emotional connection, principles that are crucial as we face global challenges requiring cooperation and mutual understanding.
Why ??Heart ?? Leadership Is the Future
Our world, rife with complexity and interconnected challenges, demands more from leaders than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic, among other crises, has underscored the need for leaders who can not only manage but also inspire, heal, and unify their teams. Heart leadership meets these needs by integrating emotional intelligence into the fabric of organizational life, promoting a culture where empathy and understanding drive performance.
In my own journey as a coach, including working with executives and teams from diverse backgrounds, I have seen the transformative impact of leading with the heart. This leadership style not only enhances individual well-being but also propels organizations towards sustainable success. It embodies the shift from merely surviving to thriving in both personal and professional realms.
Which style most resonates with you and which one do you find most inspiring?
This world requires adaptability and genuine connections, and the call for heart-centered leadership has never been louder. It is a call to transform our work environments, our communities, and ultimately our world, by fostering leadership that champions emotional intelligence and human connection above all.
If you are interested to know more about leading from the heart and for a more courageous and impactful way to lead would highly recommend "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown .
Any other books you suggest to read on the leadership of today or tomorrow?
Life Coach for professionals experiencing workplace bullying
4 天前It is heart leadership that resonates with me the most. I have experienced all kinds you describe and I found the muscle leadership the most challenging as the leaders often turned out to be bullies. As a coach who works with employees who are facing or have faced workplace bullying I also support having happy workplaces that are open and transparent and where employees' wellbeing matters.