Leading With Love: The Secret Ingredient To A Thriving Workplace
Did you know that Lead with Love is one of three values of UpSpiral? At first glance, this may sound unconventional, as there are many reasons why leaders are reluctant to use the word “love” in the workplace:
Professionalism- Many leaders feel that using such an emotional word may not be seen as professional and may detract from their credibility.
Misunderstandings- Love can mean different things to different people, and using it in a professional context may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Fear of vulnerability- Love can make people feel vulnerable, and some leaders may be reluctant to expose this vulnerability in a business setting.
Cultural differences- Attitudes towards emotions in the workplace can vary greatly between cultures. Some leaders may not feel comfortable using the word love in a business context due to cultural norms and expectations.
Stereotypes- There is often a stereotype that leaders must be tough and unemotional, and using the word love may challenge this perception and be seen as unconventional.
What if we expand our personal definition of the word love to include compassion and human-centric leadership? Suddenly our reasons for connecting love to the workplace outweigh our reluctance. Many leaders who have shifted their belief in this way are starting to understand the benefits of incorporating love and compassion into their leadership style and are finding ways to communicate this message professionally. Leadership is not just about getting things done and achieving goals. It's also about inspiring and motivating others to work together to reach a common objective. Love, in this context, doesn't mean romantic love but rather a deep care and concern for others. This type of love is essential in developing human-centric leaders and building trust with the people you lead.
Research in neuroscience has shown that when people experience positive emotions, such as love and care, the brain releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust and bonding. When leaders show love and care to their employees, they are not only creating a positive work environment, but they are also helping to build trust and stronger relationships. When leaders show love to their employees, they create a supportive and empowering environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. This fosters a positive work culture, which can have a significant impact on productivity and job satisfaction. When people feel cared for, they are more likely to give their best effort, collaborate and communicate effectively, which are all critical to the success of any organization. Moreover, leaders who lead with love are better at handling conflicts and creating a sense of unity within their teams. Love-based leadership encourages an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and understanding, which helps to diffuse tense situations and constructively resolve conflicts.
Leaders who embody love in their leadership also lead by example. They demonstrate that they care about the well-being of their employees and are more likely to create a work environment where people are not afraid to ask for help when needed. This type of leadership style also helps to foster a sense of community and belonging, which can be particularly beneficial for remote teams. In addition to our leadership becoming more human centered, you can expect significant ripple effects such as increased and sustained engagement, productivity, innovation and business results.
In conclusion, at UpSpiral Leadership®, we know love and leadership are inextricably linked. Love-based leadership can help leaders build stronger relationships, create a positive work environment, and foster unity and collaboration within their teams. By leading with love, leaders can not only achieve their goals but also help their employees to grow, both professionally and personally. If you want to learn more about how to lead with love, click on the button below and schedule a call with the masters of leading with love.
By: Rosie Corvo