Let’s bring more positive and human leadership to the workplace!

From my previous corporate experience in the automotive industry, I still remember the regular annual meetings, where my superior entered the meeting room and handed me the annual performance review. It contained all sorts of statistics on my sales performance, customer satisfaction charts, number of sickness days, etc. After the meeting, I was just asked to reflect and write down 3 points for possible personal improvements. That’s it. One year of my corporate life wrapped up in several pages of a statistical report. However, what about me? Me, as a human being? With all my strengths, emotions and values?

What if the quality of modern leadership would be valuing people over profits and promoting positive human leadership? Human-centered and emotionally positive organizations, where profits will be the by-product of happy and engaged people.

Here are 5 tips on how to promote positive leadership in the workplace:

1. Target strengths

Rather than spending time and money on trying to fix and improve people’s weak points, we often overlook the things that co-workers naturally do well and enjoy. Identify and develop your people’s strengths. By allowing them to spend time on using their strengths, they will be more engaged in their work, they will be more productive on a daily basis, they will deliver better customer service, they will have more positive interactions with co-workers, and they will be happier too.

Let your people do what they’re great at!

2. Show your appreciation

Everyone wants to feel appreciated for who they are and what they do. Appreciation is a key for opening the door to a great relationship! However, instead of waiting for the annual meeting or nominating an employee of the month, compliment your people straight-away. People feel more valued and motivated when given a real-time, sincere compliment. Say ‘Thank You’ to them more often! These two words cost nothing, but make a big difference!

3. Promote a positive emotional climate

Our mood is contagious, and a leader aware of his or her emotional impact can influence the mood within their team and organization. By promoting a positive emotional climate, people will be more energetic, open to cooperate, more engaged, cheerful and will feel less stressed and anxious. And despite challenging situations, they will stay resilient and support each other.

4. Let your people flourish!

The best companies invest in training and developing their people that can grow and flourish. It’s not only about providing a free swimming pool membership, but also about empowering and unlocking their human potential.

5. Get your people involved in the meaning

Many companies impose their vision rather than ask employees what resonates with them. For people, it is important to find a purpose and live a meaningful life. They want to feel valued and engaged in purposeful work that brings value to the society. The key to ensuring employee engagement is to involve them in the process from the very beginning when implementing the company purpose and values.

Simon Sinek has a simple and powerful model for discovering an inspiring purpose. Start by asking why: What cause, belief or purpose inspires you to do what you do?

Remember, the company’s purpose and values must speak to hearts of your people and help them feel proud of what they do!