by Anishametra Saravanan  

I recently found myself rewatching Melisa Ann Sellvadurai’s BTRT Awards podcast episode. If you haven’t tuned into these episodes yet, I highly recommend them — they offer a fascinating glimpse into the professional and personal lives of our award winners. At some point in the episode, Melisa explains about her approach to leading her team through soft leadership and it caught my attention. 

It got me thinking: What exactly is soft leadership, and how can I harness its power to lead my own team? Curiosity piqued, I dove headfirst into a few articles and here’s what I found: 

Essentially, soft leadership is a people-centered approach that blends empathy with achieving organisational goals. Unlike traditional leadership styles that rely heavily on authority and rigid structures, it emphasises guiding teams through collaboration and recognising individual contributions.  

But in a work culture obsessed with control, results, and competition, could a softer leadership approach really make a difference? 

While traditional leadership methods often take center stage, soft leadership offers a refreshing alternative with tangible benefits to one’s team.  

1. It creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. A nurturing atmosphere such as this leads to reduced conflicts as team members are more likely to work together harmoniously and resolve issues constructively.  
2. It enhances productivity by empowering employees to take ownership of their tasks. When employees are recognised for their contributions and encouraged to collaborate with one another, they’re more motivated to perform their best and build their team up.  
3. It plays a crucial role in managing change, especially in today’s fast-paced world where change is inevitable. Soft leaders, with their focus on understanding and guiding their teams, excel at creating a safe space that facilitates smoother transitions. They ensure that employees feel heard and supported during times of change, which helps boosts morale and leads to higher levels of job satisfaction. As a result, this satisfaction fosters loyalty and an employee’s long-term commitment to their team and organisation. 

So, how can you start applying this approach in your own leadership style? Here are a few simple ways to get started: 

By prioritising empathy, empowerment and recognition, soft leadership not only boosts productivity but also builds a sustainable workplace where employees feel valued and committed to the organisation’s mission and vision. This approach leads to a more resilient and engaged team, successfully driving both the individual and the organisation’s success over time.

Source:

The People Space

Chief Learning Officer