Recognizing the Humanity in Leadership: Why We Often Forget Senior Leaders Are People Too
- Coach Kenn
- Apr 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Written in partnership with Advanced Perspectives Coaching
Even in collaboration on this article, we do not expect to get a bunch of high fives and likes for this article, but it is nonetheless a truth that as we collaborate with leaders and businesses, we often talk about. In the corridors of modern workplaces, senior leaders are frequently seen as distant figures, their roles shrouded in authority and decision-making responsibilities. This portrayal can lead to a significant oversight: forgetting that these leaders are, fundamentally, just as human as anyone else in the organization. If we are being honest (and we always strive to be), people leading (while rewarding overall) is not for the faint of heart and at times can be taxing.
This article explores why this phenomenon occurs and suggests ways to bridge the empathy gap between employees and senior leadership.
The Halo Effect: Leaders on a Pedestal
One of the primary reasons employees may forget the humanity of senior leaders is the psychological phenomenon known as the "halo effect." This cognitive bias occurs when our overall impression of a person (in this case, a leader) influences how we perceive their other traits, including their personal vulnerabilities and human aspects. Senior leaders, often seen as figures of success and competence, are inadvertently placed on a pedestal, making it harder to see them as having personal struggles or emotions similar to everyone else.
The Distance of Power
Power distance also plays a significant role. In many organizations, there is a clear hierarchical gap between senior leaders and other staff. This separation can be physical, such as different office spaces or exclusive floors, and psychological, marked by formal communication channels and limited direct interaction. Such distances can reinforce the idea that leaders are somehow different – more resilient, more composed, and less affected by the stresses and strains that impact their employees.
Visibility and Vulnerability
Leaders are often expected to maintain a facade of strength and invulnerability. This expectation to always appear composed and in control can prevent leaders from showing vulnerability, thereby perpetuating a cycle where employees see them as less approachable and more machine-like than human. The visibility of leaders typically highlights their professional achievements and polished personas, overshadowing the personal challenges they face or the everyday moments that show their human side.
Changing the Narrative: Humanizing Leadership
So, how can organizations remind their employees that leaders are people too? Here are a few strategies:
Encourage Transparent Communication: Create channels for leaders to share not only their successes but also the challenges and failures they face. This could be through 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) sessions, regular informal gatherings, or personal stories shared in company newsletters.
Facilitate Informal Interactions: Organize social events or casual meetings where leaders and employees can interact on a more personal level. Activities that allow both groups to engage in non-work-related conversations can help break down formal barriers.
Promote a Culture of Empathy: Encourage an organizational culture where empathy is valued as a key leadership trait. Training programs that emphasize emotional intelligence can help leaders show more empathy, which in turn makes them more relatable to their teams.
Lead by Example: Leaders can model behavior that acknowledges their own human aspects. By openly discussing their own work-life balance struggles, personal interests, and even the mundane aspects of their lives, leaders can make themselves more relatable.
Normalize Vulnerability in Leadership: Leaders, it is okay to fold up your "cape" and be human. We want to encourage leaders to share their vulnerabilities in appropriate settings. This can help demystify the image of invincibility and show that even those in high positions face doubts and challenges, making them more accessible and human.
Conclusion
Remembering that senior leaders are human too is crucial for fostering a healthy, respectful, and empathetic workplace. By bridging the gap between employees and leaders, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where every member feels valued and understood. In such a setting, the humanity of every individual is recognized, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
We would like to thank Advanced Perspectives Coaching for their partnership on this article. You can visit them at zeroteamlimits.com or email them at 1goal@zeroteamlimits.com for more information, to book your professional mentoring session, or to find ways to improve your team's productivity.
If you find that you need a "power boost" to help you balance your life, reach out to one of our skilled coaches here at NCC.
The NCC Team
"Promoters of Happily Ever After"
p: 531-541-6100
Comments