Edward DeAngelis, CEO, EDA Contractors, advocates emotional intelligence and psychological safety.
It has been my experience that the best leaders consistently demonstrate intentional behaviors that shape their actions, reactions and interactions with others. They recognize that effective leadership encompasses both significant decisions and the small, everyday moments that can make a meaningful impact. Essentially, the humanity of doing business.
For me, leading with humanity is the most important way I can approach being an intentional, purposeful leader and team member. Taking on each day with a deliberate mindset to be present, consistent and reliable, as well as emotionally available and respectful, is the core of my leadership presence—and hopefully, my actions as an engaged and caring human being.
Unfortunately, in the pressures and demands of running a business, it can become a complex and burdensome process to remember to lead with humanity. Some workdays can get complicated, even overwhelming. There are moments in all of our lives, as business leaders and leadership team members, when prioritizing humanity can get somehow lost in the fog of corporate responsibilities. Still, leading with humanity as a best practice is always the ethical and moral behavior we, in my opinion, all should aspire to demonstrate every day.
As leaders, we should always be kind, purposeful, inquisitive, innovative and available. We should, as business leadership, aspire to be accessible to our teams and proactively supportive to all employees and partners. Each day, we should strive to be productive and intentional, aspiring to embody not only an effort of operational excellence but also one of emotional intelligence.
In short, we must aspire each and every day to be human in our leadership.
Embracing Humanity In Leadership
Leading with humanity as a strategy goes beyond ethical behavior or corporate social responsibility; it integrates empathy, compassion and people-first values into every aspect of the business. This approach not only fosters a more positive workplace culture but also creates long-term value for employees, customers and our communities, at large.
• Leadership decisions should be guided by the well-being and growth of people, employees, customers, partners and communities.
• We must be empathetic leaders who listen actively, seek to understand diverse perspectives and respond to our teams with care. This fosters trust and strengthens relationships within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• While financial success remains important, remember that it’s not the most substantial driver. Lead with humanity by pursuing a larger purpose that aligns with your company’s values and positively impacts the world. Being mindful of the financial health of our projects is crucial for maintaining a strong and sustainable organization, but money is merely a measurement of our efforts as human beings.
• Ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are not just policies but lived experiences. It’s about valuing every voice and creating spaces where people feel safe, respected and empowered.
•Adopt humanity as a strategy by upholding ethical standards even when it’s difficult. Align your actions with your values, ensuring that decisions are fair, transparent and just. It is essential to model collaboration and support and to focus on prioritizing the wellness and psychological safety of those around us, breaking down silos and fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement
Addressing Challenges
Now, because we are all human—and despite the reality that leading with humanity offers numerous and significant workplace benefits—it can be challenging to implement, particularly in competitive industries or during economic downturns. Leaders may face pressure to prioritize short-term gains over long-term values. However, by staying true to a people-first approach, leaders can navigate these challenges while maintaining integrity and building trust.
Still, companies that embrace this approach can create a positive impact and position their organizations as leaders in an era where people expect businesses to do more than just make a profit. By putting humanity at the core of a mindful and emotionally intelligent business or entrepreneurial strategy, leaders can give energy to meaningful change and foster a business leadership legacy to emulate.
For example, a CEO who regularly meets with frontline managers to understand their challenges builds stronger relationships and fosters a culture of trust. Similarly, a leader who acknowledges the stress caused by a major organizational change and takes steps to ease the transition demonstrates self-awareness and compassion. Additionally, a business leader or entrepreneur who advocates for mental health support, resources and awareness for employees demonstrates empathy by recognizing the challenges a workforce can face and addressing these challenges with a people-first perspective.
Conclusion
Leading with humanity as a strategy is more than just a moral or ethical choice; it’s a clear demonstration of emotional intelligence and a thoughtful and empathetic leadership directive. When leaders truly and deeply prioritize humanity, they apply the core tenets of emotional intelligence in a strategic and impactful way—to the betterment of everyone.
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