Profiles In Leadership - Taking The Right Steps

acknowledging drive engagement, creativity, and performance. I often refer to this leadership style as “Getting into the Dirt.” While some may initially believe that relational leadership lacks accountability, my experience shows that it enhances accountability. that strong relationships • Trust and Transparency : Leaders build trust by being authentic and open in communication and actions. • Empathy and Support : They demonstrate care for their team’s emotional and professional needs, creating a supportive environment. • Collaboration : Relational leaders foster a culture of teamwork and shared decision-making and invite shared accountability. • Long-Term Focus : Their leadership extends beyond immediate tasks to nurture relationships that sustain success over time. • Leaning into the Story behind the Story : This is the above-and-beyond investment in learning, when appropriate, the life of their team members outside of work and work responsibilities. Once you’ve won the right to be heard through relational leadership with your team members, you begin to be invited into the deeper story of who they are and how it impacts their productivity. Critical Characteristics of Relational Leadership:

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