In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Steven Howard about his book, Humony Leadership: Mindsets, Skills and Behaviors for Being a Successful People-Centric Leader. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Steven discussed the importance of a people-centric approach to leadership, with Steven's book "Human Leadership" serving as a guide. They also addressed the changing nature of leadership in the context of the pandemic, the need for trust and mutual respect in the workplace, and the importance of aligning work opportunities with personal values. Lastly, they emphasized the need for open communication, humility, and a focus on results, and discussed plans for further collaboration and promotion.
Human Leadership and the Concept of "Humony"
Jonathan introduced his guest Steven, author of the book "Human Plus Harmony", which focuses on leadership and personal vision. They discussed Steven's recent book, "Humony Leadership: Mindset Skills and Behaviors for Being a Successful People-Centric Leader", and the concept of 'humony', which Steven had coined as a term for his leadership approach. Steven shared his background, including his extensive experience living and working outside the United States, and his recognition as one of the top 200 global big voices in leadership. The discussion concluded with a deeper exploration of the meaning of 'humane' in the context of leadership.
Disrupting Leadership: The Rise of Humony
Steven and Jonathan discussed the changing nature of leadership, particularly in the context of the pandemic. Steven shared his observations about how people were seeking more harmony and well-being in their workplaces, which led him to coin the term "humony". He noted that middle managers were becoming frustrated with their senior managers, which inspired him to write a book on the topic. Jonathan agreed with Steven's views and highlighted how the pandemic had accelerated these changes, leading to a trend known as the 'great resignation'. Both underscored the need for a more people-centric approach to leadership.
Leadership in the Changing Work Environment
Jonathan and Steven discussed the challenges of leadership, particularly in the context of the changing work environment due to technological disruptions and the pandemic. Jonathan highlighted the pressure on old-school leadership approaches and the lack of formal leadership training that often leads to the perpetuation of ineffective and toxic leadership styles. Steven emphasized the need for a mindset shift towards leadership and away from traditional management. They also touched on the importance of empathetic leadership and the need to adapt to new critical problems facing leaders today.
Addressing Trust and Loyalty in Workplace
Steven expressed concerns about a lack of trust in the workplace, highlighting that this was a two-way street. He indicated that employees feel unsupported and untrained, which leads to conflicts and drama. Jonathan, who is also a professor, agreed with Steven's points. He added that younger generations are not being loyal to companies that do not show loyalty to them. He also shared anecdotal evidence from his own family, noting that his children, who are part of Generation Z, do not tolerate unfair treatment as they have higher expectations and are more assertive about their rights. Both agreed on the need for mutual respect and fairness in the workplace.
Balancing Work and Personal Values
Jonathan and Steven discussed the importance of aligning work opportunities with personal values and helping employees balance their work and personal responsibilities. They emphasized the need for leaders to stay current, understand diverse perspectives, and listen to feedback. Steven shared his own experience as a young employee, highlighting the significance of personal responsibility and the need for flexibility in the workplace. Jonathan agreed and stressed that accommodating employees' needs would lead to higher loyalty and productivity. They concluded by noting that some people still hold an outdated mindset and proposed starting discussions to promote a more people-centric approach.
People-Centric Approach in the Workplace
Jonathan and Steven discussed the importance of a people-centric approach in the workplace. They emphasized the need for open communication, humility, and a focus on results rather than time spent working. They also highlighted the danger of a compliance-based culture that punishes employees for not meeting strict requirements, as this can lead to disengagement and higher turnover. Instead, they suggested focusing on the 95% of employees who consistently perform, while also addressing the root causes of poor performance rather than just punishing individuals.
Listen to the webinar here:
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