I’ve talked about the need for human leadership in a couple of my past posts, such as this previous one.

But today I want to talk about a very different aspect of this:

What’s been occupying your thoughts recently?

I’ve long held the belief that a fundamental way to demonstrate care for your team is by asking this question. It may seem like a small step to some but a significant one to others, contributing to creating a trust-based environment where every team member feels a sense of belonging.

In certain cultures, “how are you doing?” can come across as a mere formality, not necessarily inviting genuine responses.

The encouraging news is that there are even more effective questions to ask about your team’s mood and well-being. One such question is “What’s been on your mind lately?” This fosters open conversations about recent experiences and the matters occupying their thoughts, striking a balance between sincerity and privacy.

Why not give it a try? It’s a step into a more human leadership approach.

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