I have a fire burning in the very depth of my soul and it has been burning for a very long time. During my time as a leader inside corporate, as an employee engagement facilitator, and as an executive coach, I have been privy to the immense stress, intimidation, and fear that is being created by many of our leaders inside our companies. 

I hear story after story of organizations asserting command and control tactics over their top leaders, mid-level managers and employees. Oftentimes, it is accompanied by masking the complete misalignment of the organization’s values and ultimately creating toxic cultures.

There are few punishments greater than the gradual, yet steady erosion of self-confidence and self-esteem inside the workplace. This is the result of the work-life of perpetual compromise, of constantly seeking approval and a never-ending search to meet the expectations of others.

According to an August 26, 2018 study published by Gallup only 34% of U.S. workers are engaged. This is actually a historical high. On average, only 30% of employees have been engaged at work during the past 18 years.

What this means is that most people are going home from work every day with no sense of meaning or purpose in their lives. It could be conjectured that these same people go home to their families and treat them the same way they have been treated at work. The ripple effect of the stress created inside the workplace in this country is immense.

According to an article published by The American Psychological Association in November 2017, the rate of antidepressant use in the United States is on the rise, up 64% since 1999. The culture of our country is based on profit, growth and shareholder value. How do we, the people, fit into this equation?

My deepest purpose is to awaken more love, care, kindness and humanity in the workplace. Leading with love inside the workplace requires trust and respect, not command and control. The new power structure is trust and respect. Work as an expression of love equates to freedom. 

When we awaken to a new model of leading with our heads and our hearts, we begin to validate the worth of every individual. As leaders, we begin believing in our most precious asset – people, and that includes employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and board members.

What if we allow people to be who they were meant to be, discover their gifts, develop their talents and share their innate value? What if we recognize and appreciate people along the way? A 2019 Gallup study suggested that “managers should act more like coaches than bosses”. This means having an unrelenting belief in their people, providing them with regular feedback, and asking more questions as opposed to telling them what to do.  

As an executive coach, I am asked almost weekly, “Are you sure you should be talking about love in the workplace?” “Do you think organizations and leaders are ready to hear that word?” I share with them how I show up for my clients. As I am working with my clients, I embrace a feeling of love and I am able to see who they truly are. I believe in them. I see their gifts and endless possibilities. In my mind and heart, this is the only way to lead.

Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., says it best, “Leadership is the stewardship of the people whose lives we are entrusted. At Barry-Wehmiller, they measure success by how they touch the lives of people. They recognize and celebrate their people. They send people home to their families with a sense of accomplishment so they can be present and loving. They create value for all stakeholders in the company. They lead with a set of guiding principles that start with People, Purpose, and Performance.”

I have walked to the edge of the cliff and stared down at the abyss of stress we have created inside the workplace long enough. It is time we begin to trust and respect our people inside the workplace. In the end, both organizations and people will win in the long run.