Kind Leadership: The Power of Influence Over Dictate

In today’s dynamic work environment, fostering a positive and productive team culture is crucial. This becomes much more relevant in relatively young organizations where the word “leadership” ignites doubts and throws skepticism. The key lies in a new style of management known as Kind leadership, a style that prioritizes empathy, collaboration, and respect. This has emerged as a powerful tool for achieving business goals as well as team success. But what makes kind leadership so different and powerful compared to traditional leadership?

The first time I heard about this term, It was used in a goodbye speech from one of my managers (actually the manager of my manager) and to be totally honest I got quite confused about the real meaning of it, coming from a person that in my opinion was far from being a kind leader at all. Anyway, this lighted up my curiosity about “kind leadership” and I started to read more and more about it.

To truly immerse yourself in this new paradigm, you need to imagine yourself as a football coach. Initially, you might be tempted to jump onto the field and position a player exactly where we want them. However, you can’t do that. The only thing you can do is influence their behavior.

Then, to embrace kind leadership, you need to get away from the traditional way of thinking about leadership as the power of someone — usually in a higher position — of effectively commanding and controlling the group. This is a mutation of the ancient concept of leadership that we inherited from military culture and negatively informed today’s perception of being a leader in the work space. At the core of the kind leadership there is the understanding that influence isn’t about control, it’s about building connections, by understanding how you can support others’ ambitions.

Kind leadership comes from a place of support; it focuses on attracting others by offering values instead of pushing for influencing them. You should always think about what you can provide that empowers their success, that ultimately will be your company’s success (and yours!).

Last, if you want to embrace and practice kind leadership, you should really champion collaboration and make sure your influence thrives on mutual benefit. You’ll see other people’s journey growing as well as your relationship with them.

Instead of telling others what to do, you might help fill gaps in their work or navigate a critical task.

This requires time, energy and patience — I know — and it’s not easy for everyone. Before telling a little bit more about what I’ve learned during my career, I am sharing with you the secret sauce for a good influence by career coach Yue Zaho,

• Being knowledgeable: Have something to give.
• Being accessible: Influence is bi-directional.
• Being kind: Take responsibility for how you make others feel.

If you read until now, well.. good job! Let’s keep learning the fundamental principles of leadership nowadays, that I keep in mind in my everyday life.

Influence vs. Dictate: Leading with Kindness

Effective leaders don’t simply issue orders; they inspire and motivate their teams. Here’s how influence and dictate differ in the context of kind leadership.

Influence:

• Focuses on “why”: Kind leaders take the time to explain the rationale behind decisions, fostering buy-in and a sense of purpose within the team.
• Encourages open communication: They create a safe space for questions, concerns, and diverse perspectives.
• Empowers team members: They delegate tasks, trusting their team’s expertise and encouraging ownership.

Dictate:

• Focuses on “what” without context: Dictates leave employees feeling uninformed and unsure of the bigger picture.
• Demands compliance: Communication is one-directional, stifling creativity and initiative.
• Micromanages tasks: Dictators leave little room for independent decision-making, hindering growth and development.

The Benefits of Kind Leadership

Kind leadership fosters a work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to excel. Here are some key benefits:

• Increased Employee Engagement: When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work.
• Improved Innovation and Creativity: Open communication and diverse perspectives foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
• Reduced Turnover: Employees who feel supported and appreciated are more likely to stay with the company.
• Enhanced Productivity: A positive work environment leads to increased focus and efficiency.

Putting Kind Leadership into Practice

How can you cultivate a leadership style based on influence and kindness? Oh, well.. this is my favorite part of this article! Here are some tips:

• Be a good listener: Actively listen to your team’s ideas and concerns.
• Provide feedback constructively: Focus on solutions and learning opportunities.
• Offer recognition and praise: Acknowledge your team’s contributions and successes.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate the behaviors you expect from your team.
• Show empathy and understanding: Acknowledge challenges and personal situations.

Conclusion

Kind leadership is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. By prioritizing influence over dictate, you can create a work environment where your team can thrive. This, in turn, leads to greater success for your entire organization. And if you are about to jump into your next meeting, try to ask your team “How can I help you?” and let me know.