Edward DeAngelis, CEO, EDA Contractors, advocates emotional intelligence and psychological safety.
The importance of leading with heart and compassion cannot be overstated. A compassionate leader not only drives success but also fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture. The significance of leading with heart, in my view, focuses on essential values that every business leader should embody to nurture and grow a positive workplace experience.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
My hope every day is that I am living as a compassionate leader. I never wanted to run just a company. Sure, I wanted to build a successful business, I wanted to make money, create jobs and grow a business that would contribute to and support my family, my community and beyond. I think, for many entrepreneurs, that is a big part of the dream early on—to build something meaningful, foster something lasting and create opportunities for family, friends and employees to experience positivity and gains.
In the beginning, of course, the focus is simply staying in business—building clients, providing great service, adding employees, keeping the lights on, growing a reputation and earning more opportunities to do great work for great customers. In the beginning, the focus is always on growing, growing, growing.
Once the growth has happened, many entrepreneurs (myself included) land at a place where you look at what you have created, what you have poured your life into and you want it to be more—you want it to be greater than just a successful and growing business, you want it to be a community.
The great thing is this culture can be anything you dream it to be—it can be inclusive, compassionate and nurturing. It can be respectful and motivational. It can be life-changing.
In my company, for example, our culture has grown to be one of emotional intelligence, psychological safety and the adherence and reverence of the sentiment that humanity is the best strategy for doing business. With that in mind, we created a series of “culture pebbles” that we readily share with new employees, and with our clients, vendors and anyone who will listen. I have found that these pebbles have led to a solid foundation of respect, compassion, trust and heart within the company and culture I am proud to have poured my life into creating and sustaining.
How To Lead With Compassion
Here are nine ways my organization leads with heart to build a compassionate workplace and how you can, too:
Smile, laugh and enjoy life.
A leader who smiles and laughs creates a welcoming and positive atmosphere. This value encourages leaders to find joy in their work and share that joy with their team. When leaders enjoy life, they inspire their employees to do the same, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Live proactively.
Proactive leadership involves anticipating challenges and opportunities rather than reacting to them. Leaders who live proactively are always a step ahead, guiding their teams with foresight and strategic thinking. This approach not only prevents potential issues but also helps you to seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
Demonstrate humility.
Humility is a cornerstone of compassionate leadership. Leaders who demonstrate humility acknowledge their limitations and value the contributions of others. This can foster a culture of respect and collaboration, where every team member feels valued and empowered to share their ideas.
Strive to improve.
Continuous improvement is vital for personal and organizational growth. Leaders who strive to improve set an example for their teams, encouraging a culture of learning and development. This value drives innovation and ensures that the organization remains competitive in an ever-changing market.
Exceed expectations.
Going above and beyond is a hallmark of exceptional leadership. Leaders who exceed expectations inspire their teams to do the same, creating a culture of excellence. This commitment to surpassing goals not only enhances performance but also builds a reputation for reliability and quality.
Be passionate.
Passion is the fuel that drives success. Leaders who are passionate about their work inspire their teams to share that enthusiasm. This value fosters a sense of purpose and dedication, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity.
Build trust.
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, including those in the workplace. Leaders who build trust through transparency, integrity and consistency create a safe and supportive environment. This trust enables open communication and collaboration, essential for achieving collective goals.
Take pride in your work.
To me, taking pride in your work means setting benchmarks for quality and dedication. This value encourages employees to take ownership of their tasks and deliver their best efforts consistently to maintain high standards.
Advocate for togetherness.
Success is best when shared. Leaders who focus on collective success rather than individual achievements foster a sense of unity and teamwork. This value emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that everyone contributes to and benefits from the organization’s success.
Leading with heart and compassion is not just a leadership style; it’s a philosophy that can transform the workplace. By embodying these values, I believe leaders can create a thriving and harmonious work environment. In doing so, you can not only achieve business success but also make a positive impact on the lives of your employees, their families and the community in which you serve.
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