“Leading with Humanity- Four pillars of true leadership”

“Human + Kind = Humankind.”- Dr Joshua Awesome

In a world where leadership principles are often questioned and re-evaluated, the thoughts shared by Otti Vogt, co-founder of the Good Organisation Lab, provide a sharp and unsettling commentary which inspired my article.

Human + kind = Humankind speaks to the essence of real leadership. A recent CNN poll revealed an intriguing paradox: while 41 percent of Americans consider recently re-elected President Donald Trump a good leader, only nine percent (9%) believe he genuinely cares about people, and a mere seven percent (7%) think he exercises good judgment. This disconnect raises critical questions: What truly makes a good leader, and what qualities should today’s leaders embrace to inspire trust and make a meaningful impact?

Here are four essential leadership insights that highlight qualities needed to lead effectively in a world that increasingly values empathy, integrity, and forward-thinking.

Humanity isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Necessity

The phrase “Human + Kind = Humankind” reminds us that empathy is a core component of effective leadership, not a “nice-to-have” quality. Leaders who show genuine interest in others’ well-being foster stronger relationships and build a sense of trust that drives teams forward. The CNN poll’s findings suggest that while people may appreciate strength, they also crave compassionate leaders.

Consider New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose empathy-driven leadership during crises earned global respect. By making empathy central to her decisions, she connected with her people in a way that strengthened national resilience and trust.

Actionable advice: Regularly check in with team members to understand their experiences and challenges. Listen actively, without interruptions, to build a culture of respect and trust. Empathy isn’t just about hearing others out; it’s about valuing their perspectives and experiences, which ultimately enhances motivation and team cohesion.

Sound judgment builds trust

The CNN poll shows that only 7% of Americans believe Trump demonstrates good judgment. Good judgment is essential to leadership — it involves the ability to assess complex situations, weigh options carefully, and make decisions that consider long-term impacts, not just immediate needs. Philosopher John Stuart Mill’s idea that democracy isn’t about individual gain but collective welfare can also apply to leadership: true leaders prioritise the greater good.

Good judgment, cultivated through experience and self-awareness, reassures others that their leader is thoughtful and reliable. Leaders who act rashly or prioritise self-interest may achieve short-term gains but often lose trust over time.

Actionable advice: Create a habit of seeking feedback and consulting diverse perspectives before making major decisions. Embrace open dialogue and encourage your team to share their thoughts, even if they challenge your ideas. By practising thoughtful judgment, you demonstrate a commitment to transparency and collaborative decision-making.

Integrity, backbone of sustainable leadership

Integrity lies at the core of effective leadership. A leader’s values are often tested in moments of difficulty or controversy, and how they respond can either strengthen or erode trust. The CNN poll results suggest that integrity remains essential; people are less likely to trust leaders they see as self-serving or lacking compassion.

Leaders who act with integrity foster environments where people feel safe, respected, and valued. Integrity isn’t about perfection but about consistency. By aligning actions with values, leaders cultivate loyalty and build lasting relationships with their teams and communities.

Actionable advice: Define your core values and use them as a guide for every decision. Share these values openly, and create a culture of accountability where actions reflect principles. Integrity builds a foundation of trust, which is crucial in times of uncertainty or challenge.

Vision is essential – Think beyond immediate gains

In a society that often rewards quick wins, leaders who focus solely on immediate results can overlook their broader impact. Economist Joseph Stiglitz famously critiqued the idea of the “invisible hand” guiding the market, arguing that unchecked self-interest doesn’t necessarily lead to collective good. Similarly, leaders need a long-term vision to build sustainable success.

A compelling vision helps inspire teams, motivating them to work toward goals that benefit not just the organisation but the community and society at large. Leaders who think beyond the present cultivate loyalty, ambition, and a sense of purpose that’s enduring.

Actionable advice: Set both short- and long-term goals for your team, aligning them with your organisation’s mission. Communicate this vision regularly to keep everyone focused on the bigger picture. By leading with purpose, you build a team that’s motivated to contribute to meaningful change.

Leading with Humanity: A new paradigm

The CNN poll reminds us that while views on leadership may vary, core qualities of effective leadership remain rooted in humanity, integrity, judgment, and vision. As I often say and will continually declare, “Human + Kind = Humankind.” This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a blueprint for leading effectively in today’s world.

True leadership transcends personal ambition. It’s about fostering trust, inspiring purpose, and creating environments where people feel valued. When leaders bring empathy, integrity, and vision to the forefront, they build relationships and organisations that are not only successful but resilient and connected. So as you lead, remember that true impact lies in how you connect with others and inspire them toward a shared, positive future.

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