Siffi’s Therapists have observed that the work environment and the style of interdepartmental communication strongly impact mental.
The role of leadership in this process is significant, as it directly impacts employee satisfaction and the sustainability of the company. One leadership approach that has proven its effectiveness is progressive leadership. This approach emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and empowerment, thereby creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Progressive leadership: What it is and why it matters
Progressive leadership is a leadership style that focuses on how a leader inspires and motivates their team to achieve common goals.
This style emphasizes individual attention, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and the promotion of ideal influence.
In comparison, other leadership styles are more transactional, where leaders use rewards or punishments to motivate followers toward desired behaviors. However, such approaches can be less inclusive and inspiring, focusing more on task completion than employee development. Within progressive leadership, leaders have the opportunity to positively influence the work environment and thereby improve employee well-being in several ways.
Why progressive leadership works
Progressive leadership works on multiple levels because it focuses not only on achieving company goals but also on the individual development and well-being of employees. One important aspect that makes progressive leadership effective is its emphasis on empathy and authenticity. A leader who can show empathy and understanding of the needs of their team members creates an open and trusting relationship, encouraging employees to share their thoughts and ideas.
In addition, progressive leadership encourages employees to develop personally and maximize their potential. A leader who believes in the capabilities of their team members and encourages them to surpass themselves creates an environment where employees feel motivated and valued. This, in turn, increases their commitment and desire to give their best.
It is also important to note the empowering effect of progressive leadership. This means that the leader not only provides guidance and direction but also gives employees the freedom and responsibility over their work. Such an approach allows employees to feel more involved and develop their skills and knowledge, leading to better results and greater job satisfaction.
Practical example of progressive leadership
A practical example of progressive leadership could be a situation where a company faces the challenge of developing a new product or service. A progressive leader does not merely give orders; they involve their team in the process from the beginning. They organize brainstorming sessions where all team members have the opportunity to propose ideas and solutions.
The progressive leader then supports their team in implementing these ideas by providing necessary resources, motivating them, and considering each team member’s strengths and contributions. They encourage open communication and idea sharing, creating an environment where everyone feels included and valued.
The progressive leader does not hesitate to involve external partners or consultants who can bring new perspectives and experiences. They support the team throughout the process, being an engaging and inspiring example who believes in their team’s capabilities and encourages them to act to the best of their abilities.
This approach not only fosters creativity and innovation but also builds a strong team spirit and increases employee motivation and commitment. The result can be a novel and high-quality product or service that helps the company achieve market success while simultaneously developing and strengthening the team’s capability and confidence.
Why is it important for companies and employees?
The importance of progressive leadership for companies and employees lies in several aspects. Firstly, progressive leadership helps companies achieve better results and be more sustainable in the long term. When leaders can create an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees feel motivated and inspired, employee commitment and productivity increase. This, in turn, leads to better outcomes in the company’s operations, including increased profitability, customer satisfaction, and market share.
Additionally, progressive leadership contributes to the development and self-realization of employees. When employees feel that their contributions are valued and their ideas matter, they are more motivated to give their best and develop their skills and knowledge. This creates favorable conditions for attracting and retaining talent and helps the company build a strong and diverse team.
Moreover, progressive leadership can help reduce employee turnover and decrease workforce churn. When employees feel that their leaders care about their well-being and support their development, they are more likely to be loyal and stay with the company longer. This, in turn, reduces the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees and ensures stability and continuity in the workforce.
In conclusion, it can be said that progressive leadership is important for both companies and employees, as it lays the foundation for strong and sustainable working relationships and contributes to the success and well-being of both the company and its employees.
This piece was written by Siffi Psychologist and Mental Health Team Member, Anastassia Murašina
