Inspiring growth with empathy and vision

The importance of having the right leaders.

Hello, Friend,
Some days are not great when it comes to our job (and not only I might add). Life's a rollercoaster, but the thing that always got me through tough times was my humor and gratitude. They're like my trusty emergency kit, ready to inject some laughter and perspective into even the most stressful situations.

So, sometimes I used to laugh it off with a joke: "We're all just numbers" in the corporate world. It was a harmless type of humor that I still believe has a little bit of truth to it. At the end of the day, it is about profits and losses and while you can see all those in a chart, some things you can't place there, like the feeling of being valued and supported.

While humor can be a great coping mechanism, I've come to realize that great people are what truly fuels growth and fulfillment in the workplace. The right people. The inspiring ones. The ones who have a big impact and leave a mark. ✨

I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a fantastic team, including two exceptional managers. Experiencing their leadership style has sparked my curiosity about the key ingredients for effective leadership.

So let’s see… The best definition according to a quick search on Google:

A good leader is someone who guides, not orders, and respects, not dictates.

And I couldn’t agree more.

But I would add:

A good leader is someone who challenges you to upgrade on every level: your thinking, your skills, your goals, and standards. It's someone who changes your perspective and your way of doing things. It's someone who makes you ask the right questions. And how do they do that? Easy: by leading by example.

A great leader is also someone who sees your potential and believes in you so much that you end up trusting yourself more - because we all have our moments when we get hit in the face by our imposter syndrome.

A leader empowers you to reach your true potential and has trust that you’re going to, or at least try your best.

I remember having different bosses who would just impose their way or dictate tasks to me or other team members. I also remember our frustration, our stress, and our anxiety that came with that process. And I can tell you: it’s not fun.

But let’s talk about those amazing leaders - the ones who leave a lasting impression. The ones who don’t just see you as a number but as a person with unique talents and potential. These leaders make all the difference.

Great leaders don’t just tell you what to do; they show you how it’s done. They inspire you to push your boundaries and reach new heights. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with you. They lead by example and create a supportive environment where you feel safe to take risks and grow.

One of my managers, for instance, always encouraged me to think on a larger scale. He didn’t just hand me solutions; he asked thought-provoking questions that guided me to find my own answers. This approach not only boosted my confidence but also made me more innovative and resourceful.

I had another manager who possessed an unwavering faith in my abilities, even when I questioned them myself. Whenever self-doubt crept in, his trust in me was a constant source of support.

He empowered me to confront my fears and tap into my full potential. This helped me overcome my self-doubt and perform at my best. He did this all while challenging me to improve, grow and handle things on my own, making me trust my skills and judgement more.

These are the leaders who understand the importance of empathy and respect. They listen to your ideas and concerns, value your input, and make you feel heard, because YOU ARE. This kind of environment fosters collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging.

In contrast, I’ve worked under managers who ruled with an iron fist, dictating tasks and expecting blind obedience. The atmosphere was tense, and morale was low. There was no room for growth or innovation because everyone was too afraid of making mistakes. It was a stark reminder of how crucial good leadership is to both personal and team success.

Great leadership isn't about being the boss; it's about about being a mentor, a supporter, and an inspiration. It's about recognizing potential in others and empowering them to achieve it. And I'm grateful to experince that every day.

In the end, a leader's true power is not in the numbers they achieve but in the people they inspire and the positive change they create.

And that is the kind of leadership we should all strive to embody.

Big smiles,
Mira