Are you a People-Centered Leader?

My best friend and I often reminisce about where we first met – seems like a lifetime ago. It was at the Television department of the Jamaica Information Service (JISTV) - the news arm of the Government of Jamaica. She was a producer, and I was a presenter/news anchor for the station's flagship show, "Jamaica Magazine."

Showing up to work was a joy. The pay wasn't great but the experience was priceless. There was a lot of camaraderie among team members. We felt?supported, included and connected. We had autonomy to shape our news stories, plus there was?room to grow. It was an incredible time! A lot of this was due to the kind of leader we had and the nature of the leadership we were subjected to.

In my experience working with and coaching leaders for over 20 years, leaders tend to represent two polarities on a continuum: mission centric versus people-centered leaders.?

Mission-centric Leadership

Mission-centric leaders put the mission first. These leaders are primarily focused on the organizational goals, the projects that need to be completed, and the objectives that must be achieved. They also have a laser focus on the budget and earnings report.?

Unfortunately, these leaders see employees mainly through the lens of performance targets, deadlines, results, and outcomes. Consequently, the employees' personality risks taking a backseat to the overall mission. Employees become cogs on a wheel with a one-dimensional identity — that of a laborer.

[Click on the video below and see my thoughts on what employees want to feel a sense of belonging at work].

People-centered Leadership

On the other hand, people-centered leaders understand that employees are the nucleus of the organization and that the mission cannot be accomplished without engaged, hardworking employees who feel a strong sense of job happiness. They know that while the mission is critical, employees must be supported in their roles and must feel welcomed, valued, acknowledged, and included.

For these leaders, the employees' well-being and sense of belonging are central to their leadership brand and ethos. They model this in the policies and procedires of the workplace, and how they treat the team. In other words, people-centered leaders acer about and cultivate belonging.

They make belonging a part of their leadership brand. Your leadership brand is how your personal brand shows up in the social process of leadership.

Final Thoughts

Successful leaders understand that leadership is an ongoing personal evolution, not a static state. They constantly reinvent themselves and their organizations, driven by a deep understanding of their personal brand and the human dynamics at play.

Instead of solely focusing on mission-centric goals, these leaders prioritize a people-centric approach. They recognize that their personal brand, encompassing their values, strengths, and authentic self, is the foundation of their leadership ethos. By leading with who they are, they build trust, inspire loyalty, and foster a culture of genuine connection. ? ? ?

Dr. Hume Johnson is a leadership coach and professor of communication. She empowers individuals and organizational teams to leverage their personal brand for exceptional performance and leadership success. She is the author of three books, including the popular personal branding guide, Brand YOU: Reinvent Yourself, Redefine Your Future. LEARN MORE at www.humejohnson.com

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