Are You Leading People as They Are or as You Wish They Were?

Leadership often starts with grand visions of what your team or organization could become. But here’s the catch: those dreams don’t take shape in an instant. True leadership begins where people are—not where you wish they’d be. By grounding your approach in understanding and empathy, you lay the foundation for trust, connection, and real growth. Let’s dive into how you can lead with this principle in mind.

1. Practice Empathy 💡

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your leadership superpower. Truly listen to your team’s challenges, perspectives, and goals without jumping to solutions or judgments. Ask open-ended questions like:

• What’s been working well for you lately?

• What’s one challenge you’d love more support on?
  This shows you’re invested in their experience, creating a safe space where honesty thrives.

2. Adjust Your Expectations ⚖️

Perfection is a myth, but progress is real. Focusing on incremental improvements keeps the momentum going and morale high. Celebrate small wins—those steps forward matter just as much as big leaps. And when things don’t go as planned, recognize the effort behind the attempt. Growth is messy, and that’s okay.

3. Customize Your Approach 🛠️

One-size-fits-all leadership? Not effective. People bring unique strengths, challenges, and ambitions to the table. Adapt your style to meet them where they’re at:

• For the go-getter: Offer stretch assignments to push them further.

• For the steady performer: Provide clarity and support to refine their skills.
  Tailored feedback helps them build confidence and focus on meaningful growth areas.

4. Model Patience and Grace 🌱

Here’s a hard truth: people will fall short at times. Your response in those moments defines your leadership legacy. When mistakes happen, choose to respond with patience, grace, and understanding. Reinforce that their potential matters more than their missteps. By doing so, you inspire resilience and a willingness to try again.

5. Invest in Development 🚀

If you want to see people grow, you have to give them the tools to do it. From training programs and mentorship to constructive feedback, every resource you provide signals, I see your potential. Create an environment where failure isn’t final—it’s a stepping stone to progress.

True leadership isn’t about forcing growth; it’s about fostering it. 🌟 When you meet people where they are, you unlock their ability to become who they’re meant to be.

Now, think about your own leadership style: Where can you shift your lens to better align with this principle?