Why a Culture of Thriving Matters

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The Problem: Burnout and Disruption

On every call with senior leaders, I hear the same thing: Their organizations are facing the cumulative fatigue of constant disruptions. Crises from the pandemic to the war in Ukraine to supply-chain issues—coupled with pressures from return to work and constant transformation efforts—have led to widespread burnout.

In The Devil Never Sleeps, author Juliette Kayyem argues that the world we now live in will always have some level of disruption, making conditions tough for organizations and individuals. This context requires a fundamental shift in perspective, recognizing that such disruptions are now a continuous part of today’s global environment—and they aren’t going away.  

The Solution: Leading With Empathy

This shift necessitates a transformation in leadership approach that prominently emphasizes empathy. The traditional leadership competencies that used to be in high demand—such as results-oriented drive, execution focus, and strategic acumen—are now considered “table stakes,” foundational qualities expected of any effective leader.

Simon Sinek says, “The real job of a leader is not being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in our charge.” As a leader, your primary responsibility is to understand your people. Each individual is navigating their own unique journey, which includes every employee within your organization. If they are experiencing burnout and not thriving, it’s crucial to identify ways you can effectively support them. While there are practical measures to assist someone with physical burnout, the focus here is not on detailing those strategies. Instead, it’s vital that you know how to deeply understand and support your team members in whichever way will be most effective for them.

To read the entire article, which originally appeared in the August 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.