The paradigm of what it takes to be an entrepreneur, CEO, or any kind of successful business leader is changing. Inflexibility, functionality, and a fear of hiding feelings in an attempt to show control are waning, as leaders are putting emotion firmly back in business. This strive towards a more empathetic and human approach sees leaders think more openly about how they behave — how they can be a happier and more inspiring front runner, and better understand what makes a team truly connect and work well together.
Here are five things we can all stop doing, to give being more human in business a go.
1. Stop believing you can’t show emotion
Business is based on personal relationships and if you want to understand, inspire and influence people, you need to be smarter with feelings. From building trust with your team, setting your vision and inspiring people to follow it, to helping you think creatively and learn from when things go wrong — the more we understand our own emotions, the greater our productivity and successes can be.
2. Stop fearing failure
Accept that occasional failures or mistakes are part of the game, and can help you reach success. Celebrate things that haven’t gone right, seek new inspirations and be open to new possibilities. Life in business won’t always take you on your predicted path — finding new opportunity and light in any setback should be the goal.
3. Stop being led by routine
Flexibility is essential for your own and your team’s happiness, sanity and productivity. Opening up your business to embracing a working day beyond the traditional nine-to-five is key, and can only inspire imagination and innovation going forward.
4. Stop thinking you need to be something you are not to be a success
Focus on the moment and all the things you can do to maximize and better where you are right now. Make honesty, integrity, and sharing values the center of your business.
5. Stop networking for transactional reasons
Not every introduction has to be a means to a closed deal. Invest in getting to know people, cherish and respect your relationships through work, and forget an agenda. If you stay authentic your network will multiply, and business connections will come organically.
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