Treat Me Like a Person

Stop talking to me like a job title; I'm a person, not a position.

And while this applies to everyone, for this article, I'm addressing those of us in executive leadership roles. A strange phenomenon happens when titles get attached to names: people hesitate, withhold opinions, and avoid challenging ideas. How often have you heard, "I can't just ask [leader's name] about that—they're the big boss!" When I hear that, it sucks.??

I want to introduce a phrase I use often:

Everybody is Just People

The underlying message is that true success in leadership roles is not about wearing the crown, but in embracing a more human-centric approach to leadership - so I ask please treat me - and others in positions of influence - as people. People that show up to try their best today, just like you did, and sometimes we do get it right, and other times we don’t, like, you know - people.?

This doesn't mean ignoring roles, responsibilities, or being accountable. It means recognizing that I'm not perfect, and neither is any other leader. We have strengths and weaknesses, and for me, I rely on my team's collective genius to achieve our goals.

A Culture of Openness and Respect

I'm known for a casual approach to hierarchy. I respect those who've reached leadership positions, but I expect humility and open communication. If an employee calls me "dude," so be it. Good work doesn't require formality.

For me, I encourage my team to challenge my ideas respectfully, to point out inconsistencies or potential flaws, and to propose alternative solutions. This open exchange of ideas not only leads to more robust and innovative solutions. Now there are times when I need to call the ball because I have a broader vantage point, but I listen and take in the information. And that means some will disagree, and that is great. That’s what happens when humans are working together and communicating authentically. They also note the disagreements and move on.

Ways To Help Humans Be Humans

Let’s hit on a few things that I believe help achieve the goal.?

As a person in a leadership role here’s a few things you can do:

• Explicitly tell your team you want to be treated like a person.
• If a team member's approach differs from yours, express your thoughts but be open to theirs, if it’s not a deal breaker let it go.
• Give yourself some space to engage with people about stuff outside of work
• Find the small disagreements, talk about them objectively, and move on committed to support the person regardless of the outcome.
• Oh and please turn your cameras on when in virtual or hybrid meetings

As a person interacting with leadership roles

• Communicate like you would with a trusted partner, and share hard truths with kindness
• If you disagree with an approach share why and what you would do differently, it could change something or maybe not
• Point out behavior changes or micro-expressions during interactions and be curious about them
• Don’t hide your personality, beliefs, or experiences
• And yeah - that camera thing, it really does help the human connection with you aren’t in person.

Building a More Human Organization

Ultimately, my success as a leader is linked to the success of my team. I am not here to be the smartest person in the room, nor do I need my ego stroked with constant praise and recognition. My goal is to enjoy my time with the team as everyone reaches their full potential.

So if you are also a human, then join me in creating an environment where humans are valued and appreciated, and where we celebrate our collective achievements together. Where we respect the people as individuals not just because they gained a title. That can only happen when we are all just people being people.