The notion of the “leader as healer” aims to broaden the conventional responsibilities of a C-suite company executive to encompass consideration for the individual welfare of team members. Adopting a holistic approach to guaranteeing the mental and physical well-being of employees can result in increased creativity, increased productivity, and a more contented staff, even though it may appear counterintuitive to efficiency.
Here, I will share the input of fifteen Forbes Coaches Council members who discuss why entrepreneurs and C-level executives should accept the idea of the “leader as healer”. Their experiences show how a leader who prioritises personal recovery may promote team cohesion, organisational development, and a more welcoming, trustworthy, and compassionate work environment.
- Creating strong bonds allows teams to succeed
Being fully seen is one of every human being’s basic demands. Because they are in positions of power by nature, leaders have the ability to heal the most profound wounds and fears through their relationships with others. The currency that can facilitate the development of this profoundly empathic bond and allow people to flourish is care and attention.
- Encouraging team members by illuminating their potential
The idea of the “leader as healer” gives leaders a chance to motivate their groups by showing them a side of themselves that they might not have noticed otherwise. Businesses can flourish by fostering a culture of growth, curiosity, and possibility. This is because it can enhance each team member’s unique assets, talents, and abilities when working with others. Businesses can also become more intimate.
- Helping others heal improves performance
Pain is a common sensation for most people, and it can lead to the subconscious mind harbouring limiting ideas like “I’m not good enough”. People who hold these limiting ideas behave in ways that are less than ideal and impair their performance. As leaders, you have the responsibility to assist your people in their recovery so that they can reach their full potential and work optimally while experiencing well-being.
- Firm bonds establish a joint growth journey
Since it makes individuals feel supported in both their personal and professional development, you can build a foundation of resilience and growth by first recognising and attending to the emotional well-being of your team. To put it simply, the “leader as healer” model fosters a culture wherein team development becomes a shared experience in addition to fortifying the relationships within the group.
- Coherence promotes respect and unity in the culture
Coherence is a fundamental idea of the “leader as healer” theory. Founders and C-level executives may experience problems with alignment and trust if there is a lack of consistency.
Consistent leaders, on the contrary, convey a distinct vision that staff members can understand and that ties decision-making to the organisation’s core principles. This fosters a culture of harmony and respect, along with their curiosity and tolerance for the opinions of others.
- Showing sincere concern encourages resilience
A sense of community and trust is fostered when founders and senior executives genuinely care about the mental and physical well-being of their staff. This approach fosters empathy, open communication, and support among team members, which makes the group stronger and more united. In the end, a strong and cohesive staff is better able to face obstacles, adjust to change, and experience progress.
- Harmony is created via being present and resolving issues
Taking up the “leader as healer” idea transcends ambitions for the future. It involves addressing problems that previous leaders neglected to address, being present, and paying attention to team members. An agreeable and progressive organisational culture is produced by this compassionate approach, which also strengthens group cohesion and accelerates growth.
- To begin with your own recovery constructs necessary wisdom
We are able to offer insightful advice to people we mentor and lead because of our capacity to face our own psychological and emotional struggles. It entails having the skill to strike a balance between accountability and empathy tactfully so that others have the space to develop.
- Empathy makes innovation and unity possible
In the fast-paced world of business, the idea of the “leader as healer” might be revolutionary. This strategy promotes empathy and creates a space where everyone is respected and feels heard. It clears the path for harmony by fostering an environment that is supportive of creativity and candid communication, which in turn fosters growth and trust.
- EQ is added to pure intellectual ability
The concept of the “leader as healer” challenges leaders to become more aware of their surroundings and give their team’s emotional needs more careful consideration. Traditionally, leaders prioritise the intellectual growth of both themselves and their employees. The idea of the “leader as healer” highlights how emotional intelligence may work in tandem with pure intellect to enhance outcomes for all parties.
- Empathic leadership encourages adaptability and originality
In today’s leadership environment, taking on the role of the “healer as leader” means going beyond simple management. This strategy fosters creativity and cohesion within a company by integrating empathy and EQ into its very fabric. At that point, leaders transition into creative and resilient agents, nourishing their teams in addition to providing guidance. They provide the link between business and community significance and success.
- Fostering understanding promotes unity
To truly embody the role of “healer”, founders and executives should strive to treat employees with empathy, unite individuals during trying times, and support the company’s overall growth. Empowering others and mending divisions, strengthens the organisation’s togetherness, promotes professional and personal development, and cultivates empathy among all members.
- Creating an empathetic culture increases drive
Putting the “leader as healer” idea into practice develops empathy by attending to a variety of needs, unites people by fostering a sense of belonging, and advances development by promoting holistic well-being. Employee resilience, motivation, and productivity are all increased by this strategy.
- Organisational success is driven by personal growth
Prioritising a caring and supportive culture is one way that founders and executives can live up to the idea of the “leader as healer”. Leaders who are empathetic toward problems, actively listen and offer solutions foster a cohesive, trustworthy, and psychologically secure workplace. Leaders who create a healing culture create an atmosphere that encourages both individual and group development and inclusiveness, which boosts the success of the organisation as a whole.
- A holistic, inclusive work environment enhances retention
A healer of a leader concentrates on fostering an inclusive and harmonious work environment. A cohesive and harmonious work environment is facilitated by leaders through the resolution of conflicts, encouragement of teamwork, and cultivation of a sense of belonging. Top talent is drawn to and retained by this good culture, which is defined by trust, support, and shared values. This, in turn, contributes to the success of the organisation.
Leaders may create more collaborative and healthy work environments by adopting the “leader as healer” philosophy. Empathy and understanding are given priority, which fosters trust, supports mental health, and propels significant change. Let us keep in mind the transforming power of compassionate leadership in building a better future for everyone as we traverse the difficulties of the modern world.
(Tashia Bernardus)