The neglect of the human side of the employee experience has resulted in businesses losing millions each year due to turnover. A friend shared an article on this very topic that author David Brooks posted in the New York Times called “The New Humanism.”
Brooks pointed out that we raise children with a focus on SAT scores, but we fail to teach them how to build character and relationships. I actually had a parent tell me once that schools should be responsible for teaching our children ethics and character. Are we that uncomfortable with the topic? Apparently so. I know that in my consulting work I am regularly disappointed by leaders who avoid the “people side” of initiatives.
Corporate leaders have been taught to appeal to reason, not emotion. They love a compelling business case. Yes, I’ve had continued success driving sales behaviors, performance results, and building teams by appealing to the people side of change. My approach is not just based on information, but on the energy generated when emotions are engaged.
My biggest struggle is dealing with leaders who believe that emotions are “fluffy” and if you spend time addressing them you’re creating a needy workforce. Brooks says that scientists are starting to recognize that, ” We are more than reason; our ability to reason is interwoven with emotion and relationship every single day.”
Human beings deteriorate when disconnected from either our emotions or each other. A great leader who wants to dynamically change her environment understands that:
- Addressing emotions is as important as sharing information.
- A team divided against each other or even other teams in the company will not succeed.
- Leaders who do not observe, coach, and stay physically and emotionally available to their teams will falter.
The people side of business is gaining attention. I believe that business enlightenment is on the way. Are you prepared for it?
Below is a book I am going to order from David Brooks on this very topic: