Leading with Heart: Secrets to Effective Leadership

By: Abigail Csengery, LPC-Associate. Supervised by Tritia Finley, Ph.D., LPC-S, NC

Ah, leadership. The term itself conjures up images of iron-fisted dictators barking orders from their thrones or maybe benevolent guides shepherding their flock with wisdom and grace. But let’s cut through the noise—being a leader is as much about balancing on a tightrope as it is about grand speeches and vision boards.

Communication: The Unseen Glue

First things first—communication. This is your bread and butter, folks. A leader who can’t communicate is like a chef who can’t cook. Leaders need to convey their vision and goals effectively to foster a sense of cohesiveness within their team. A lack of communication breeds anxiety and confusion, and that’s the last thing you need on your plate. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it. Clear, concise, and relatable—those are your watchwords. A good leader makes sure their team is always in the loop, making everyone feel included and valued.

Empathy: The Secret Sauce

Now, let’s sprinkle in some empathy. Leaders aren’t just there to bark orders; they need to listen, really listen, to their team’s needs, wants, and perspectives. This isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Empathy builds trust and openness, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels heard. Plus, in a world that often seems to lack compassion, being the leader who genuinely cares? That’s your golden ticket. It’s about understanding the emotions of others and responding in a way that fosters a positive and productive atmosphere. Empathy in leadership isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength that can unite and inspire your team.

Integrity: The Backbone of Trust

Let’s talk integrity. It’s about being honest, owning up to mistakes, and maintaining high ethical standards. A leader with integrity is a role model, plain and simple. But here’s the kicker—integrity isn’t something you claim. It’s something you earn. It’s built through vulnerability and accountability, not by pretending to be perfect. Leaders with integrity are not afraid to show their human side, to admit when they are wrong, and to take responsibility for their actions. This builds a foundation of trust and respect that is essential for any successful team.

Accountability: Owning Your Actions

Hand in hand with integrity is accountability. Leaders who can admit when they’re wrong and show a willingness to learn and grow are invaluable. They create an environment where others feel safe to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. No one likes a know-it-all, and being able to say, “I don’t have all the answers,” can be incredibly empowering. Accountability is about being answerable for your actions and decisions, and it’s crucial for building trust and reliability within your team.

Active Listening: More Than Just Hearing

Ever heard the saying, “In one ear and out the other”? That’s what happens when leaders don’t practice active listening. It’s about truly engaging with what your team is saying, providing feedback, and showing that their input is valued. This kind of engagement is key to building a strong, effective team. Active listening involves being fully present in the conversation, not just waiting for your turn to speak. It’s about acknowledging the speaker’s message, providing thoughtful feedback, and ensuring they feel heard and understood.

Decision Making: The Buck Stops Here

Decision-making is the not-so-glamorous part of leadership. It’s tough, it’s stressful, and sometimes, it’s downright unpleasant. But a leader must be confident and comfortable with their decisions, trusting their gut while also considering the input of their team. It’s a delicate balance between being decisive and being open to feedback. Good decision-making involves analyzing the situation, weighing the pros and cons, and sometimes making hard choices that may not be popular but are necessary for the greater good. It’s about being decisive yet flexible, ready to adapt as new information emerges.

Empowerment: The Ultimate Goal

Finally, we reach empowerment. Great leaders don’t just lead—they lift others up. Empowering your team means helping them grow, develop, and succeed. It’s about recognizing their strengths and potential and fostering an environment where they can thrive. After all, what’s the point of being at the top if you’re not bringing others up with you? Empowerment involves providing the resources, support, and opportunities your team needs to excel. It’s about inspiring confidence, fostering independence, and creating a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Coaching and Feedback: The SBI Feedback Model

Great leadership also involves effective coaching and feedback. The Center for Creative Leadership’s SBI Feedback Model—Situation, Behavior, Impact—is an invaluable tool here. It involves describing the specific situation, explaining the observed behavior, and discussing the impact of that behavior. This structured approach helps leaders provide clear, actionable feedback that can significantly improve performance and development (Center for Creative Leadership, 2020).

The Role of Humor in Leadership

Let’s not forget the power of humor. A leader who can laugh at themselves and diffuse tension with a well-placed joke is invaluable. Humor can break down barriers, build rapport, and create a positive work environment. It’s not about being a stand-up comedian but knowing when to lighten the mood and make work enjoyable. A little laughter can go a long way in making your team feel more connected and engaged.

Bringing It All Together

Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human—communicating effectively, showing empathy, maintaining integrity, being accountable, listening actively, making tough decisions, and empowering others. It’s a messy, wonderful, challenging journey, but when done right, it can lead to amazing transformations.

In the words of the Harvard Business School, “Emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership” (Wolff, 2022). As the Center for Creative Leadership points out, good leadership is characterized by traits like empathy, integrity, and the ability to empower others (Center for Creative Leadership, 2021). So, next time you’re stepping into a leadership role, remember—it’s not about being the boss; it’s about being the best version of yourself for the benefit of your team.

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References:

Center for Creative Leadership. (2020). SBI Feedback Model. Retrieved from https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/

Center for Creative Leadership. (2021). Characteristics of a Good Leader. Retrieved from https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/characteristics-good-leader/

Wolff, S. B. (2022). Emotional Intelligence in Leadership. Harvard Business School Online. Retrieved from https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership