In today's fast-paced world, it takes more than just knowledge and expertise to become a successful leader. True leadership is about understanding, developing and empowering the people around you. Inspired by leadership expert Simon Sinek, we see that tomorrow's successful leaders are those who dare to put people before results and hearts before hierarchy.
Here's how you build leadership that lasts:
1. Create psychological safety
Leaders who succeed in the long term understand that security is the foundation for creativity and development. Create a climate where everyone dares to express their ideas and thoughts without fear of failure.
2. Build relationships based on trust
Real trust is built through consistent action, transparency, and honesty. Be clear about decisions, involve your team, and stand by what you say. Trust opens the door to true loyalty and commitment.
3. Develop clear service and work processes
Effective leadership relies on clear structures and processes, such as the "sequence of service" and systematic work with Service Design (see Service Design Guest Focus 360°). When everyone knows exactly what is expected of them, it becomes easier to perform and develop.
4. Empathetic communication – a key skill
When an employee is not meeting expectations, start by understanding why. Be curious, ask open-ended questions, and listen actively. Provide feedback that focuses on the behavior, not the person, and connect the feedback to the company's culture and values.
5. Be an active coach – not just a manager
Future leaders actively coach their employees by giving them tools, resources and opportunities to develop. Clear goals, continuous reconciliations and personal support are crucial to creating sustainable results.
6. Create a family culture – like siblings
Simon Sinek highlights a powerful concept from the military: building a culture where team members see each other as siblings – brothers and sisters. When the team experiences this strong bond of family belonging, trust, security and support come naturally. Such a culture strengthens cohesion, increases commitment and creates the conditions for long-term success.
Summary – leading with the heart
Today, more than ever, successful leadership is about relationships and human values. By prioritizing safety, trust, clear structures, empathy, coaching, and a family culture, you can build teams that both perform better and feel better. That's leadership with both heart and brain – and it's the future's recipe for sustainable success.
Oscar Lindeberg
