Written by: Thibaut Ottomer, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When the workplace becomes a battleground, it's time to lead from the heart – here's how!
Picture this: you've gathered your team for an important meeting, ready to inspire and lead them to success. But as soon as you open your mouth, it's like a shark fest. Everyone starts fighting for attention, floating their ideas over one another, and you're left feeling less like a leader and more like the referee at a little kids' football match. Sound familiar?
From chaos to harmony
Well, almost every entrepreneur has gone through this. I've been there myself, with my once harmonious team turning into a cacophony of chaos. But as a mindset coach, I've learned a thing or two about leading from the heart; it's time to put the "human" back in leadership.
Let me take you back to a day when I discovered the power of leading with empathy. Imagine me, a stressed-out entrepreneur, rushing from one meeting and country to another. I was so consumed by the pressures of leading the company that I began to see my team as roadblocks in the wheel “who did not understand how business works”, rather than the incredible individuals they were.
One day, I received a heartfelt email from one of my team members, pouring out their frustrations about feeling unheard and undervalued. It was a punch-in-the-face kind of moment that made me realize the impact my leadership style had on others because they were right. I knew it was time for a change, so I decided to start leading from the heart.
How to lead from the heart
Here are three tips that transformed my leadership approach, and they might do the same for you:
Cultivate connection: Take the time to truly connect with your team members. Listen actively, ask questions (and one more), and show genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas. Remember, it's not just about the work; it's also about building meaningful relationships. Get to know them, for real.
Create a safe space: Foster an environment where transparency, trust, and vulnerability are encouraged. Acknowledge that mistakes happen and provide support for growth and development. Your team will feel more comfortable taking risks and being authentic.
Lead by example: Show your team what it means to lead with heart. Lead from a place of gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Be open about your own challenges and vulnerabilities. When your team sees you being real, they'll be more likely to follow suit.
Leading takes courage
Remember, leading from the heart doesn't mean being soft or weak – it's quite the opposite as it takes a lot of courage. It´s about knowing the power of human connection to drive success. So, go on and show real (!) empathy, cultivate meaningful relationships, and watch as your team turns into a united force of unstoppable success.
And the next time an internal cold war comes up in your office, remember: it's time to lead from the heart and leave the ego at home.
For more tips and how to lead from the heart, connect with me on socials or send me an email with one of the links below.
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Thibaut Ottomer, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Thibaut Ottomer is an expert in empowering the mind, boosting self-esteem & building courage. Instead of using his childhood trauma to feel small and guilty, he turned his pain into his purpose by helping people tap into their power with his unique liberation coaching methodology. He is the Founder & Mindset Coach of Liberty Coaching and has coached people all over the world. His mission: to free as many people as possible from their blocks so they can courageously be their amazing Selves.
