In a recent blog, we introduced the Human Synergistics Circumplex™, a proven framework to measure, report, discuss and better understand individual and collective human behaviour, and their impact upon business and organisational performance (refer: Catching Smoke: A Proven Framework for Addressing Culture and Leadership).
Today’s blog focuses on one of the key Constructive styles – Humanistic-Encouraging: what is it, why is it helpful and, if you think it might be lacking within your leadership and/or organisational culture, how can you enhance its presence?
So Just What is the Humanistic-Encouraging Style?
Whether we’re looking at it from an individual leadership or broader organisational culture perspective, the Humanistic-Encouraging style emphasises the value of people.
Participants in workplaces with a Humanistic-Encouraging culture will generally feel expected to, for example:
- Show concern for the needs of others
- Be supportive of and encourage others
- Resolve conflicts constructively, and
- Adopt a consultative, collaborative approach.
Humanistic-Encouraging leaders tend to, for example:
- Be focused on the growth and ongoing development of their team
- Be good listeners
- Take time with people, and
- Help others think for themselves.
So Why is it Important?
Participants in workplaces with Humanistic-Encouraging cultures, and supported by Humanistic-Encouraging leaders, are more satisfied, feel that they better “fit in” with and plan to stay with the organisation. They are more motivated, more willing to exert discretionary effort, and contribute more to problem-solving and change efforts.
When combined with a predominance of other Constructive styles, the research tells us clearly that Humanistic-Encouraging cultures supported by Humanistic-Encouraging leaders facilitate better results at individual, team and organisational levels (research by Human Synergistics):
- Organisations: 32% more adaptable to changes in the external environment and 32% higher quality performance
- Teams: 28% more effective teamwork and 25% greater commitment to producing a quality result
- Individuals: 32% more motivated, 26% more satisfied and 25% more likely to stay with the organisation.
Sounds Good, How do we Get More of it?!
At an individual leadership level, for example:
- Actively encourage contributions and suggestions from your team (and be sure to consider them carefully/genuinely)
- Be more focused on recognising and appreciating the efforts of others (a simple “thank you”, or “good work!” can go a long way), and
- Make it your personal mission to develop the skills and capabilities of others (be a coach more than simply a director of work).
At a collective/organisational level, for example:
- Focus more deliberately and strategically on the development of people within the business/organisation
- Promote and get people involved in individual and team goal-setting
- Look for opportunities to give people more autonomy as to how they go about their work, and
- Involve others in key decisions.
So what are you waiting for? Get started along the path of Humanistic-Encouraging and drive real results in your business/organisation!
Search for our series of “Focus on Leadership and Culture” blog articles that address the why, why and how of styles of other organisational culture and personal leadership styles. And of course, be sure to call if you’d like to explore the range of culture and leadership programs we have available to help transform your people, your team and/or your business/organisation.