ANNOUNCING THE THIRD EDITION OF HEART-CENTERED LEADERSHIP
The need for Heart-Centered Leadership (HCL) has grown since the first edition of the book was published twenty years ago. It was penned in 2001, when the United States was in the wake of two major events: the Enron scandal and the September 11 attacks. The period following was marked by war, fear, uncertainty and insecurity. These realities took a toll on the American worker. All of this prompted the need for more integration of operations, collective leadership and collaboration in many organizations. It also spawned a greater awareness of the influence of mental health on worker productivity as well as the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder on people who have experienced trauma.
Fast forward two decades and the World has endured a devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting death, serious illness and family and parental stress appear to have caused people to reconsider the role of work in their lives (we actually believe and share evidence that it was happening long before the pandemic). In reality, long-held feelings of disconnect are largely responsible for the “Great Resignation” that we are witnessing in recent years.
Fortunately, we know that empathy, really listening, perspective-taking, authenticity and integrity- all components of Heart-Centered Leadership- are what foster connection, and sense of support and a feeling of belonging. We believe that Heart-Centered Leadership is the antidote to the withdrawal that we’ve seen from work and productivity. We are eager to share the ideas and insights that have been germinating since the first edition of HCL was published. We hope that these new observations, along with the perennially valid core message of Heart-Centered Leadership will further inspire and guide you on the journey you have undertaken to lead with purpose and humility.
A top learning priority of an awakened organization is how to have authentic dialogue. If we listen, our hearts will tell us to think about what others need, and to consider their perspectives and how our own actions might affect them.
– Susan Steinbrecher
Encouraging emotional connections between managers and employees is the key to better performance and improved employee engagement. This is the essential message that Susan Steinbrecher and Dr. Joel Bennett deliver in the book Heart-Centered Leadership: Lead Well, Live Well.
In essence, heart-centered leadership is not a singular gold standard or an ultimate pinnacle that only a rare few can achieve. It lies in your ability to stop, go inward, and reflect on the course of action that you know is the right one rather than succumbing to external pressures and circumstances.
Leaders can move mountains when they understand that they share the same universal needs that their associates do. People want to be valued, listened to, appreciated, respected, involved and connected. They wish to have meaning in their lives. At the very least, people want their self-esteem to be maintained and, ideally, enhanced.
By embracing a heart-centered approach to leadership, you will be in a more powerful position than you could possibly have imagined. After all, what can be more powerful than motivating an associate to go the distance for you and your organization because he or she is inspired by you and respects you so highly? More importantly, you will genuinely and deeply touch the lives of others by your actions.
Contact us to learn more about Heart-Centered Leadership keynote presentations, full and half-day workshops, and break-out sessions.
Related Links:
Heart-Centered Leadership Reviewed in the San Francisco Book Review
Entrepreneur.com: Using Heart-Centered Leadership to Engage Your Workforce
The Container Store: Heart-Centered Leadership – a Great Read!
Inc.com: 21 Unmistakable Traits of a Heart-Centered Leader
HuffingtonPost.com: Entrepreneur Leadership Today Demands a Human Focus
Entrepreneur.com: Inspire Wellness in Your Workplace, and Watch Productivity Soar
