Leading with Heart: The Best Leadership Advice I Ever Received

Early in my career, I had a mentor who didn’t just give advice - they showed me what leadership really meant. They treated people as individuals, not just roles to fill. At the time, I thought leadership was all about sharp decisions and driving results. And while those are also important (or even critical), real leadership is about seeing people for who they are, not just what they do. It’s about listening to understand, not just to reply.

Much like in any strong relationship, great leadership is built on trust, empathy, and genuine care. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work. This lesson became especially clear to me when I was managing a team through a challenging transition. Instead of just focusing on the numbers and “leading with a stick”, I took the time to check in, listen to concerns, and support my team beyond just their job roles. The result? Morale improved, collaboration strengthened, and ultimately, performance followed.

On Valentine’s Day, when so many are focused on expressing appreciation to loved ones, it’s a perfect time to reflect on how leading with heart can shape our workplaces. Simple actions - acknowledging a team member’s hard work, offering a listening ear, or showing gratitude - can transform a team culture. When people feel seen and appreciated, they don’t just comply with leadership; they trust it.

So here’s a challenge: Lead with heart today. Whether it’s a note of encouragement, a moment of recognition, or simply taking time to listen, small acts of leadership - just like small acts of love - make all the difference.

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