This week’s blog post is about love and leadership. I know that love isn’t usually a word we associate with leadership or business. And that is a shame. Ask any entrepreneur what got them started on a particular idea or a business leader why they do what they do, and they might give you the “business speak”. Their “why” might be: Sheer passion and purpose. Making a difference. Earning a living. Or any number of other reasons. But at the heart of it is love. Love for the community they serve. Love for their family and wanting to provide for them. Love for themselves to do better. Love for their teams. Just love.
So, this week’s blog post is about why love needs to be in every leader’s vocabulary. I explore what love brings to you as a leader and how it can transform the way we lead in today’s world. More than ever, the world needs more love.
Defining love in leadership
Before I dive in, I want to clarify what I mean by “love” in the context of leadership. Love here is not about romantic or familial affection. Instead, it is a deep sense of care, empathy, and concern for the well-being of the people we lead. It is about fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that enables individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Love in leadership is about recognising and valuing the humanity in each team member.
And love is recognising and valuing the humanity in ourselves. Love is the foundation for authenticity. If we loved ourselves more, we would not need to hide behind mirrors and masks. If we loved more, we would be more open to others’ vulnerabilities and our own. That’s why love, in my mind, is a foundational piece of leadership.
What would love bring to your leadership style? Here are some thoughts:
Empathy breeds connection
One of the most significant reasons why love should be part of every leader’s vocabulary is the role empathy plays in fostering strong connections. When leaders demonstrate genuine care and concern for their team members, it creates a sense of trust and belonging. In today’s fast-paced, often impersonal work environments, this connection is a powerful tool for motivating and engaging employees.
When I cast my mind to the leaders who impacted me most, I always have examples of leaders who genuinely listened to my concerns, understood my needs, and provided support when required. Not only did they inspire loyalty, but they also encouraged a culture of openness and collaboration. In this context, their love wasn’t a weakness but a strength that allowed them to demonstrate to me, as well as others, that we can, as leaders, connect with team members on a deeper level – without it being creepy or unprofessional. So cast your mind to those leaders in your life either now or in the past: what love behaviours did they demonstrate that showed you they genuinely had empathy and connection with you? And what can you take away as a leader yourself and implement?
Supporting personal growth
Leadership is not just about achieving results – if that were the case, many more successful companies would abound, and many more leaders would be recognised. Leadership is about helping people grow and develop. Love is the catalyst that can spark personal and professional growth in your team members. When leaders invest time and energy into nurturing their employees’ development from a place of love rather than correction and lack, employees become better professionals and more engaged and satisfied. People can feel that their leader is invested in their success. I will always remember receiving feedback from one of my team members. He was blown away that I cared about his personal development and growth – something he had not experienced with his previous five managers. Yes, five.
So, consider what type of leader you want to be. The leader that encourages their team members to take on new challenges, provides constructive feedback, and offers opportunities for learning and growth. The leader, fuelled by love and a genuine desire for their team’s betterment, who creates an environment where people are encouraged to reach their full potential. Or the “leader” who plays to the system and does it once a year to tick the “performance” box. How do you feel when your leader does that to you? Be different.
Resilience in tough times
I have spoken about this before, and it bears repeating (see last week’s blog). Every leader will face challenging times, be it a project gone wrong, a team member’s personal crisis, or external factors impacting the organisation. During these turbulent moments, love becomes the glue that holds the team together. Why? Because leaders who express love during adversity inspire resilience in their teams. They keep it real. They provide emotional support and reassurance, helping their team members weather the storm and (hopefully) emerge stronger. Love helps maintain team morale and fosters a sense of unity, even in the face of adversity. Love brings clarity because it is a strong foundation for asking one simple question: “What would a leader who loved their people do here?”.
Promoting inclusivity
Promoting inclusivity is paramount in today’s diverse and multicultural workplaces (and countries); leaders who embrace love in their vocabulary are more likely to create inclusive environments where every voice is valued, and differences are celebrated. They come from love because they understand it themselves for themselves. They understand what it means to be appreciated fully for who they are and want that for others. They also understand what it is like not to be loved and appreciated, and they, as leaders, do not want that for others.
A loving leader understands the importance of diversity and actively seeks to include voices from all backgrounds. Because a leader knows that love in this context comes in different forms and ways, recognising that each team member brings a unique perspective to the table, and by embracing these differences, leaders foster trust and better team dynamics, which translate to better results and outcomes.
Lastly, a culture of appreciation
Love in leadership involves showing appreciation and gratitude for your team’s efforts. A simple “thank you” or a heartfelt acknowledgment can go a long way in motivating your employees. I am always surprised by leaders who often forget this simple gesture. Love is about expressing your gratitude and recognition for the work your team (and others) puts in. As always, actions speak louder than words, and in the words of that immortal poet, Elvis Presley, “a little more action, please”. So decide and then do. If you want more on how to appreciate, see this blog post.
Final thoughts
As leaders, we must not underestimate the power of love. In a world where leadership styles are evolving, it is time to recognise that love has a vital place in every leader’s vocabulary. It is not a sign of weakness but a testament to a leader’s strength and wisdom to embrace and show it. Share what you love. Share what you love about your role. Share what you love about working in your team or organisation. Share what love looks like for you. I genuinely believe that love is a word, followed by action, that can transform workplaces and create happier, more fulfilling environments where people can be the best they can be.
So, the next time you think about your leadership style, remember to make love a part of your vocabulary. It is a language that transcends boundaries and cultures. It inspires and brings out the best in everyone it touches. Embrace the power of love in leadership and watch your team (and you) flourish like never before.
And in case you are thinking I am making this stuff up, here’s one (from hrb.org with a link to the research) of many articles that debunk the myth that love has no place in a workplace. But do not take my word for it. At the end of the day, tune into yourself and ask, “What does love look like for me, and how might I express it in my work?”. Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran said, “Work is love made visible”. Make your love of work and the people you lead visible.
As always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
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