HUMAN Leadership
Because in a world full of smart machines, the smartest thing a leader can be is human.
Technology is woven into nearly every part of our lives. If you’re reading this, you almost certainly own a smartphone—maybe you’re even reading this on one.
These devices connect us to the world, keep us informed, and save us time. I use AI tools like ChatGPT every day, and I’m amazed at how much they help me think, create, and get unstuck. What a great time to be alive!
But as we become more connected, more informed, and more automated, I can’t help but wonder: are we losing part of what it means to be human?
We’ve all seen stories of kids forming AI friendships to replace real ones, or adults lashing out behind online avatars in ways they’d never dare face-to-face. Technology is powerful—but it can also make us forget how to truly connect.
And while I don’t believe AI will replace people, it will change how we work. Like every other technological leap before it, we’ll adjust, and before long, it will simply be another part of life. But even then, one truth will remain:
AI can replicate many of our functions, but it can’t replicate who we are. It can’t lead us.
We still need humans for that.
If leadership is still something only people can truly do, then maybe it’s time to remember what HUMAN leadership looks like.
H — Humility
Humility often gets a bad rap. Some think it’s the opposite of confidence—timid, uncertain, or weak. But that’s not humility.
True humility isn’t weakness; it’s confidence under control.
It takes strength to admit you don’t have all the answers and courage to stay teachable. A humble leader is willing to learn, to listen, and to invite others into the process.
If it’s true that none of us is as smart as all of us—and I believe it is—then humility isn’t optional. It’s essential for building a strong, collaborative team.
U — Understanding
The kind of understanding we’re talking about here is two-fold: understanding yourself and understanding others.
Self-awareness and social awareness are the foundation of emotional intelligence. And as John Maxwell says, “The hardest person I have to lead is myself.”
To lead by example, I first have to know myself. What are my tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots? If I don’t understand those, how can I lead effectively?
Here are three ways to grow that understanding:
1. Reflection
After every significant interaction or decision, pause and ask: How did I do? What worked? What didn’t? What can I do better next time? Growth requires reflection.
2. Self-Assessments
I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for a good self-assessment. DISC, Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, Working Genius, SDI…the list goes on. These tools help us understand how we’re wired and why we respond the way we do. Even if you’re not a “test” person, try a few—you’ll learn something valuable.
3. Interacting with Others
You’ll never discover your blind spots alone. You need honest, trusted people who care enough to tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Seek them out. And when they speak, listen.
Then there’s the other side—understanding others.
People see the world differently than you do, and that’s okay. It takes effort to see from their perspective, but the effort pays off. The more you understand others, the more effectively you can lead them.
M — Mindfulness
John Maxwell says nobody ever climbed a mountain, reached the summit, and wondered, “How did I get here?”
Leadership, like mountain-climbing, doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention.
There are no off days in leadership. That doesn’t mean you can’t rest—it means you can’t turn off your influence. Your team is always watching. So be mindful of your words, your tone, your choices. You’re leading whether you mean to or not.
A — Attitude
It’s cliché to say your attitude determines your altitude—but that doesn’t make it less true.
Attitudes are contagious—especially for leaders. Your team will take its cue from you, for better or worse. A positive, optimistic leader inspires creativity and confidence. A negative one drains both.
One thing Michelle and I learned in our work on self-limiting beliefs is that negative attitudes aren’t harmless. They’re toxic. They stifle productivity, creativity, and trust.
To be an effective leader, cultivate your attitude carefully. The way you show up shapes the culture around you.
N — Nurturing
Leaders wear many hats. You’re responsible for accomplishing “the mission,” whatever that looks like for your team. But leadership isn’t only about results—it’s also about relationships.
Driving your team to hit today’s goals while ignoring tomorrow’s health is a short-sighted strategy. Real leaders build people, not just outcomes.
That means caring for your team, encouraging them, developing their skills, and identifying future leaders. Productivity matters, but so does sustainability. The best leaders do both.
Technology may make us faster, but it can’t make us care. That’s still our job—to nurture, develop, and invest in people.
Final Thoughts
Let’s use every tool technology gives us—but never lose sight of what it means to lead like a HUMAN:
with Humility, Understanding, Mindfulness, Attitude, and Nurturing.
Because in a world full of smart machines, the smartest thing a leader can be is human.
