What is it anyway?
Similar to Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership style, People-Centered Leadership (PCL) views leadership as an influence process which involves working with people to accomplish both their goals and the goals of the organization.
PCL is about building trust and a clear vision for where an individual/team is going with their work, then working hard to support the work/person and manage the changes/issues that will ultimately arise – together.
To live this definition, leaders must be committed to building strong relationships with their people. The outcome of a strong relationship is that people do extra work because they trust and respect the leader, and they will be more forgiving when the leader has to make decisions (or makes a mistake) that is perceived as putting the needs of the business or leader first, and the needs of the people second.
Often, this style of leadership leads to greater employee motivation and satisfaction, as people feel heard and appreciated. This, in turn, improves team engagement.
Some key influential books behind my philosophy:
- The Servant by James C. Hunter
- One-Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
- Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- First Break All The Rules and Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Servant Leadership has a similar philosophy and set of practices – to enrich the lives of individuals, build better organizations, and ultimately create a more just and caring world – but can be perceived as a Christian, faith-based leadership.
PCL takes a more holistic perspective to consider all people, everywhere.
Learn more about developing as a People-Centered Leader
If you believe your people are a fundamental part of leading toward growth, and you are ready to own your development, I can help.
Get a free copy of my ebook: 28 Tips for Developing as a People-Centered Leader.
I also have a number of resources available on Amazon and other online retailers to help you on your journey toward People-Centered Leadership. As ever, please feel free to contact me with any questions or for a consultation on your specific requirements or business needs.
Don’t Avoid Gaps, Lead Through Them
This whitepaper outlines the three key gaps that every leader must master for effective leadership and the steps you can take to fill those gaps. The first in the People-Centered Leadership series.
A view on leadership as creating gaps and managing through their closure
Demystifying Strategic Planning
How to create a plan and effectively lead through the gap
The second in the People-Centered Leadership series, this whitepaper covers what strategic planning is, equips leaders with terms to talk about it with their teams effectively, and gives them next steps to implement.
People-Centered Performance
Bringing out our best through honest conversation
Even with countless practical steps available to turn leadership principles into measurably improved performance by teams, many leaders struggle. Here’s how to Improve performance with honest conversations and thoughtful actions.
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