People Focused Leadership: How to Use It & Why It Matters

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People Focused Leadership Has Been Gaining Popularity

People focused leadership is a style of management that puts employees first. This type of leadership has been gaining popularity in recent years as businesses have realised the importance of employee satisfaction and engagement.

As a people focused leader, you prioritise your team’s needs and ensure they feel supported in their work. This type of leadership can have a significant impact on employee morale and motivation. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to their team.

There are many benefits to using people focused leadership, including improved employee productivity, lower staff turnover rates, and increased customer satisfaction. This blog post will discuss the basics of people focused leadership and why it matters for your business!

People focused leadership is an excellent start if you want to improve employee productivity and engagement. Try it and see how it can help your business succeed!

What is People Focused Leadership?

People focused leadership is about making your employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated. When you put your team’s needs first, you create a positive work environment where employees are more likely to be engaged and productive. This leadership can significantly impact employee morale and motivation, improving customer satisfaction.

There are many benefits to using people focused leadership, but it is essential to remember that every team is different. What works for one team might not work for another. The key is to find what works best for your team and then adjust your leadership style accordingly.

People focused leadership also requires efforts from the leaders and the management themselves. They must ensure that the employees feel comfortable in their work environment and access the resources and support they need to do their jobs well.

Red leader figure leading loyal follower figures in one direction
People-focused leaders create loyal employees

 

Implementing people focused leadership can be challenging, but the benefits are well worth it. People focused leadership is a great place to start if you’re looking to improve employee productivity and engagement. Give it a try and see how it can help your business succeed!

What is a People Leader?

A people leader is a manager who focuses on employee satisfaction and engagement. As a people leader, you prioritise your team’s needs and ensure they feel supported in their work. This type of leadership can have a significant impact on employee morale and motivation. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to their team. 

There are many benefits to being a people leader, including improved employee productivity, lower staff turnover rates, and increased customer satisfaction. People focused leadership is an excellent start if you want to improve employee productivity and engagement. Try it and see how it can help your business succeed!

Being a people leader also has some challenges. One challenge is that people leaders need to be able to adapt their leadership style to the needs of each team they manage. What works for one team might not work for another. Another challenge is that people leaders need to be able to handle conflict effectively. When employees are unhappy, they may come to you with their concerns. Listening to their concerns and working together to resolve the issue is essential.

One of the essential things a people leader does is create a shared vision for the team. This means that everyone on the team knows the goal and why it matters. Without a shared vision, getting employees engaged and motivated can be difficult. A people leader also sets the tone for the team. They set the standards for how employees should treat each other and how they should work together. 

People leaders need to be able to adapt their leadership style to the needs of each team they manage. What works for one team might not work for another. Another challenge is that people leaders need to be able to handle conflict effectively. When employees are unhappy, they may come to you with their concerns. Listening to their concerns and working together to resolve the issue is essential.

People Management vs People Leadership

Businessman and employee talking at a desk in an office
People management is not the same as people leadership

 

People management and people leadership are two different things; the first is all about ensuring that employees are meeting their job requirements. On the other hand, people leadership is about supporting employees and helping them grow and develop in their careers.

People management is focused on the task at hand, while people leadership is focused on the people doing the task. People management is about getting the job done, while people leadership is about supporting and developing employees. 

So, which is more important? That depends on your business goals. People management is vital if your goal is to get the job done. But if your goal is to develop your employees and create a strong team, then people leadership is more critical.

Related reading: For even more useful content on people management, check out our ultimate guide on People Management Skills.

Qualities of a People Leader

What makes a good people leader? There are a few key qualities that are essential for any people leader. Some of them are:

Vision

People leaders need to have a clear vision for their team. They need to be able to articulate what they want to achieve and how they plan to achieve it. Employees need to be able to buy into the vision and feel motivated to work towards it.

Empathy

People leaders need to understand and empathise with their team members. They need to be able to see things from their perspective and understand their needs. It also helps if they are good at active listening! It allows people leaders to understand their team members better and build trust.

Communication

People leaders need to be able to communicate effectively. They need to be able to listen to their team members and understand their concerns. They also need to be able to give clear instructions and provide feedback. It helps them to build a strong relationship with their team.

Decision-making

People leaders need to be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently. They need to weigh each option’s pros and cons and make the best decision for their team. Taking effective and quick decision ensures the timely completion of tasks.

Pros and cons written on a chalkboard
Knowing the pros and cons are important for great decision-making

 

Passion

People leaders need to be passionate about their work. They need to be able to inspire their team members and get them excited about the work they are doing. Passionate leaders also tend to be more committed to their team and more likely to go above and beyond.

Courage

People leaders need to be courageous. They need to be able to stand up for their team and fight for what is right. A fearless leader inspires team members to be braver and stand up for themselves.

Integrity

People leaders need to be honest and have integrity. They need to be able to stand by their team members and help them through tough times. Integrity is a solid virtue for a leader as it builds trust between the leader and the team.

Compassion

People leaders need to be compassionate. They need to be able to care for their team members and help them through difficult times. Compassion not only helps team members feel supported, but it also helps to build trust and respect.

Dedication

People leaders need to be dedicated to their team. They need to be able to work hard to support their team and help them achieve their goals. Being dedicated to the team also helps them understand the team’s needs and work towards meeting them.

Businessman and businesswoman in an office
People-focused leaders are dedicated to their team

 

Servant Leadership

One of the most popular types of people focused leadership is servant leadership. Servant leaders prioritise their team’s needs and put their interests first. Such an attitude helps build trust and respect between the leader and the team. Servant leaders are more likely to be effective in their role as they are more dedicated and committed to their team.

4 Types of Leadership

There are four main types of leadership: authoritarian, democratic, laissez-faire, and people focused.

Authoritarian

Authoritarian leadership is a leadership style based on the leader having complete control. The leader makes all the decisions and expects their team to follow them without question. It also deals with many rules and regulations, which helps keep the team in line. Authoritarian leadership is good for tasks that must be completed quickly and efficiently.

Democratic

Democratic leadership is a style of leadership that gives team members a say in the decision-making process. The leader solicits input from their team and makes decisions that are in the group’s best interest. It helps to build team morale and encourages creativity. It also helps with problem-solving as team members are more likely to come up with solutions they are happy with.

Laissez-faire

Laissez-faire leadership is a style of leadership that gives team members complete freedom to do their work. The leader provides guidance and support when needed but otherwise lets team members work independently. It helps to promote creativity and innovation as team members are free to experiment. Laissez-faire leadership can also lead to a lack of structure and direction.

Transformational

Transformational or People focused leadership is a style of leadership that puts the needs of team members first. The leader prioritises their team’s well-being and makes sure they feel supported in their work. People focused leadership helps build trust and respect between the leader and the team. It also leads to more motivated and productive team members.

Chaotic colorful balls next to organized white balls
People-focused leaders are great at building trust

 

Difference Between People Oriented and Task Oriented Leader

A people oriented leader focuses on their team’s needs and makes sure they feel supported. A task-oriented leader focuses on getting the job done and may be more likely to sacrifice their team’s wellbeing to meet deadlines.

It is crucial to find a balance between being people oriented and task-oriented. You need to be able to get the job done, but you also need to make sure your team is happy and healthy.

The best leaders can adapt their leadership style to the situation. They know when to be people oriented and when to be task-oriented. They also know how to find a balance between the two. 

To be a successful leader, it is essential to focus on your team’s needs and make sure they feel supported. But you also need to be able to get the job done. Find a balance between the two, and you will be on your way to success!

Pros and Cons of Employee Oriented Leadership

There are both pros and cons to using people focused leadership. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if this leadership style is right for you.

Pros

Improved Employee Productivity

Employee-oriented leadership helps improve employees’ productivity by creating an environment where they feel valued and motivated. It provides them with the necessary resources and information to help them succeed in their roles.

Lower Staff Turnover Rates

Employee-oriented leadership leads to lower staff turnover rates as employees feel supported in their work and are less likely to leave the company. It leads to a more stable and successful business eventually.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Employee-oriented leadership increases customer satisfaction as happy employees lead to happy customers. Satisfied customers are likelier to be loyal and recommend the company to others.

Hand with pen completing a customer satisfaction questionnaire with an excellent rating
Happy employees can lead to happy customers

 

Cons

It May Not be Suitable For All Types of Businesses

Employee-oriented leadership may not be ideal for all kinds of companies. For example, if you run a business requiring quick decisions, this leadership style may not suit you. Additionally, suppose you have a very hierarchical organisation. In that case, this leadership style may not work well as it gives employees more power.

It May Not be Suitable For All Types of Employees

Employee-oriented leadership may not be suitable for all types of employees. Some employees prefer a more hands-off approach and feel suffocated by this leadership style. It also results in employees being more empowered, which may not be what some employees and the management require from their team.

Weighing the pros and cons will help you decide if people focused leadership is the right choice for your team. If you choose to go ahead with this leadership style, remember to be patient and give it time to work. Every team is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your team.

Benefits of Employee Focused Leadership

There are many benefits to using people focused leadership, including improved employee productivity, lower staff turnover rates, and increased customer satisfaction:

Improved Employee Productivity

People focused leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and supported. It leads to employees handling motivated and empowered to do their best work. It also ensures that employees have the necessary resources and information to succeed.

Lower Staff Turnover Rates

Employees who feel supported and valued are less likely to leave their job. It leads to lower staff turnover rates and saves businesses money eventually. It ultimately leads to a more stable and successful business.

Motiving boss with a happy employee in a modern office
When employees feel valued they are less likely to leave

 

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Happy employees lead to satisfied customers. When customers see that employees are happy and engaged, they are more likely to have a positive experience with the company. Such customers also tend to be more loyal and likely to recommend the company to others.

Conclusion

People focused leadership is a style of management that puts employees first. This type of leadership has been gaining popularity in recent years, as increased businesses realise its many benefits. Employee-focused leadership can improve productivity, lower staff turnover, and increase customer satisfaction.

There are many benefits to using people focused leadership. It can improve employee productivity, lower staff turnover, and increase customer satisfaction. However, it is essential to remember that every team is different. What works for one team might not work for another. The key is to find what works best for your team and then adjust your leadership style accordingly. Find a balance between being people oriented and task-oriented, and you will be on your way to success!

Action: For even more useful content on leadership, check out our ultimate guide on Leadership Skills.

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