Are you a Heart Centered Leader?
As a society, we are collectively facing economic, political, and ecological challenges that — combined with radical innovation — sometimes completely disrupt entire sectors. This naturally calls for a new, coaching-oriented form of leadership. Are you a Heart Centered Leader?
Dorothée Willems
Magaly De Smet
The future of businesses is inseparably connected to developments in the rest of the world. As a society, we collectively face economic, political, and ecological challenges that — combined with radical innovation — sometimes completely disrupt entire sectors. Traditional leadership styles are being questioned and replaced by coaching-oriented forms of leadership.
When we are not limited by today’s possibilities, and instead look toward the future with openness, intuition, and imagination, we can transform these challenges into opportunities. By collaborating across disciplines, we create a powerful new way of working where people come first.
This new way of working naturally requires a new kind of leadership. That is why we developed a program for the leaders of the future: Heart Centered Leadership!
- What is Heart Centered Leadership?
- Are you a Heart Centered Leader? – Take the self-test!
- The leaders of the future!
What is Heart Centered Leadership?
Authoritarian and hierarchical leadership is outdated. In recent years, we have realized more than ever how deeply connected we are. A global crisis, forced quarantine, and isolation created a period of reflection that raised existential questions for many people: Who am I? What kind of person have I been so far? Who do I want to become? Does my job still align with who I am?
Today’s employees are looking for organizations where they can do more than simply perform a job — they want to feel connected to the company’s values and impact.
Fear-driven leadership, a focus on short-term results, and leadership based purely on power positions no longer work. Organizations that remain stuck in “management by fear” risk stagnation and eventual decline.
This old leadership style is making way for the new Heart Centered Leadership — a leadership approach that fosters growth opportunities for individuals, teams, organizations, and society. To realize this societal shift from “I” to “we,” we need a collective leap in consciousness. Heart Centered Leaders will become key actors and accelerators in inspiring, guiding, and supporting this transformation. They will serve as the new role models in building our “New Earth.”
Are you a Heart Centered Leader?
The leaders of the future nurture engagement, safety, and trust to intrinsically motivate teams and work together toward a shared vision. They lead from a collective consciousness — a system of shared values, norms, and culture that individuals can unite behind. These leaders understand that reciprocity is the key to successful leadership.
The heart forms the center of the human being, creating internal connection and balance. When we open our hearts, we cultivate connection, love, and compassion for ourselves and others. Only when emotions are allowed to flow — rather than being suppressed — can we forgive more easily and act from trust and compassion instead of fear and control.
Do you have what it takes to become a Heart Centered Leader? Reflect on the following self-assessment questions:
#1 I always tell the truth and communicate transparently
Showing vulnerability is a powerful sign of leadership. By communicating honestly with your employees, you create mutual respect. When you open yourself up, you give others permission to do the same. You lead by example and help build a safe environment for your team.
#2 I trust my colleagues to do the right thing
Trust creates the leaders of the future. When you trust employees, you empower their success. If you constantly doubt their abilities or intentions, you create a toxic culture that undermines performance and results.
#3 I can easily let go of control
Letting go gives employees a stronger sense of ownership over their work. If you make every decision yourself, how can employees fully invest their heart and energy into their job?
“Love is like a butterfly: hold it too tight and it will be crushed; hold it too loosely and it will fly away.”
It is about finding the right balance between guidance and control without falling into micromanagement.
#4 I am aware of my impact and choose my words carefully
Heart Centered Leaders understand that their words and actions are open to interpretation. Their behavior sets an example for the entire team. That is why thoughtful communication and conscious word choice are essential in different situations.
#5 Serving my team is more important than the other way around
A leader serves the team — not the other way around. As a leader, your goal is to help your people shine. You don’t let the team pull you forward; you help push the cart and ensure everyone moves together. This new leadership style is not based on authority but on helping people grow through inspiration, motivation, and support.
#6 I have an open mind
A strong leader does not judge or assume. Do you actively seek mutual understanding in every situation? Can you easily put yourself in someone else’s shoes? A leader avoids assumptions and remains open to different perspectives and viewpoints. Only by staying open can leaders continue growing themselves — and help their teams grow as well.
#7 I take good care of my “whole self”
A good leader takes care of themselves — mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When one of these elements is neglected, it affects all the others. Do you think working late into the evening benefits the company? Also consider the impact it has on your mental and physical well-being. There’s a reason people say, “a healthy mind in a healthy body.”
#8 I am willing to look in the mirror
Can you face your own pitfalls? More importantly, are you committed to working on them? Leaders continuously look for ways to improve. This requires self-reflection, but strong leaders also actively seek feedback. Are you open to criticism? Are you aware of your own development areas?
#9 I am committed to personal and professional growth
Do you strive every day to become the best version of yourself? As a leader, you want to bring out the best in others — but that is only possible if you expect the same from yourself. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses and remaining open to new experiences is the recipe for successful leadership.
#10 I strive to guide others and surround myself with people who have different skills, talents, and styles than my own
Do not surround yourself with “yes-men” or people who are identical to you. Seek out individuals with different perspectives and build diversity within your teams and organization. The combination of diverse viewpoints often reveals new insights and leads to the most meaningful discoveries.
#11 I am empathetic and strive to preserve the self-worth of others
Leaders must never forget that they work with people, not machines. It is therefore essential to ensure that employees feel good about themselves and their work. Sometimes simple actions — such as recognizing someone’s effort and showing appreciation — can make a significant difference. Celebrate your people’s successes and progress, and support them through obstacles and difficult periods.
#12 I maintain an “open-door” policy and remain highly approachable
Are you unreachable in an ivory tower, or present among your people on the work floor? An open-door policy makes it easy for employees to engage in healthy dialogue with you. Team members can propose new ideas, suggest improvements, or simply share concerns. With this leadership style, you demonstrate that you value your people’s input and that their voices matter.
Discover how future-proof your leadership style is! Download the full checklist and explore all 21 questions!
The leaders of the future
The era of a “top management only” leadership style is over. Organizations that want to make a difference do so by using their most powerful resource — their people. Modern companies provide a safe environment, grounded in trust, where individuals have the space to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Leaders serve their teams, not the other way around.
In return, people want to work in organizations whose values and vision they share. In this way, they collaborate through a collective effort toward a shared goal and meaningful impact. This transformation is not easy. It requires strong personal balance and a deep understanding of the people around you.
