I remember when I founded my first company, I made a mistake that defines many novice leaders: I believed that success was measured solely by metrics, results, and achieved goals. It took years of experience—and some hard-learned lessons—to realize that behind every extraordinary achievement, every disruptive innovation, and every moment of exponential growth, there’s something more valuable than any strategy: the power of authentic human connections.
Today, I can assure you that my greatest competitive advantage has not been a brilliant business plan or a revolutionary technological innovation. It has undoubtedly been my ability to create spaces where people truly feel seen, valued, and empowered to give their best.
The business reality of today demands leaders who understand that sustainable success is not built on rigid hierarchies. The mindset of a distant leader, who instills fear mistaking it for respect and who doesn’t know the names of the people he works with, must end.
Which do you think works better? Which one would you prefer to work with? The answer seems obvious, and therein lies the heart of effective leadership: genuinely knowing your team.
In my career, I’ve repeatedly confirmed that when we take the time to understand our team, their aspirations, concerns, and hidden talents, we build better workplaces. We create ecosystems of innovation and growth that transform entire industries.
The Immeasurable Impact of the Human Element
Today, leadership is not measured solely by financial results but also considers human impact. The best companies are not built on regimes of ego and power; they are built on authentic relationships, trust, and a deep commitment to collective well-being.
Yes, during my early years as an entrepreneur, I confused management with leadership. Managing involves overseeing tasks and processes. Leading means inspiring, guiding, and most importantly, deeply understanding the people who make up our team.
As Maya Angelou once reflected, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I am a witness that the time invested in truly knowing our team is not a luxury, by any means, it’s a strategic investment that generates exponential returns.
How to Get to Know Your Team?
- Create Spaces for Active Listening: Beyond formal meetings, dedicate time to talk to your team. Ask them how they feel, what they need, and what their challenges are.
- Participate in Activities Outside the Workplace: An informal outing or a celebration of achievements can reveal dimensions of your collaborators that are not perceived in the office.
- Recognize Their Achievements and Contributions: Thanking and celebrating individual and collective efforts is a powerful way to build trust and motivation.
- Adapt to Individual Needs: Each collaborator is unique. Knowing their strengths, communication styles, and preferences will allow you to lead them in a personalized and effective manner.
The Impact on Results
From a purely business perspective, truly knowing our team directly impacts:
- Talent Retention: People stay where they feel valued and understood.
- Innovation: A trusting environment encourages creativity and calculated risk-taking.
- Productivity: Teams that feel recognized as individuals tend to give more of themselves and support their teammates more.
- Organizational Culture: Creates an environment of mutual support and genuine collaboration.
Vulnerability as a Strength
Brené Brown, protagonist of one of the world’s most-watched TED talks and a reference in psychology and social research, has studied courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy for over 25 years. She articulates it masterfully: “Vulnerability is not about winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.” A lesson learned is that showing our own vulnerability does not make us weak, it makes us more human and accessible.
Being a leader does not mean being infallible. Showing your vulnerabilities and sharing your experiences can inspire others to overcome their own challenges. When a leader humanizes themselves, they create an emotional bridge that strengthens the connection with their team.
The real magic of leadership lies in understanding that each collaborator is a fundamental part of collective success.
Change is Today
As leaders, we face unprecedented challenges. Technology advances by leaps and bounds, but the human need for connection, understanding, and recognition remains constant.
Invest time in getting to know your team, at the end of the day, the best leaders lead, inspire, listen, and walk alongside their team.
Are you ready to be a leader?
