Leadership isn’t just about vision statements and KPIs, it’s about people. The most exceptional leaders I’ve worked with had one thing in common: they loved the people they worked with. Not romantic love, but the deep care that wants the best for others, listens with intent, and sees people as whole human beings, not just job titles.
Science backs this up, love and connection literally change our bodies, from our biochemistry to our resilience. Workplaces that nourish love aren’t “soft”; they’re stronger, more cohesive, and better equipped to thrive. Without it, workplaces become machines, not communities.
So, maybe leadership’s secret ingredient isn’t in another management framework, but in the micro-moments of connection we share each day.
Questions:
Have you experienced genuine love in your workplace?
How might it change your leadership if you led with love?
Too often, leadership lives in the head; strategies, deadlines, performance targets, while the heart gets sidelined. But when decisions ignore compassion, we see the cost: colleagues who feel unseen, teams disconnected, and trust eroded.
Love in leadership means staying attuned to the needs and stories of the people around us. It’s being present when someone is struggling, celebrating their wins, and holding the belief that we’re better together.
This isn’t about being “soft”; it’s about understanding that emotions are contagious, and positive emotions broaden thinking, boost creativity, and strengthen bonds. A leader who blends head and heart can turn a group of individuals into a team that truly cares for each other.
Questions:
Do you make space for emotions in your leadership practice?
When was the last time you made a decision from the heart?
Love in leadership isn’t grand gestures; it’s built in micro-moments. A shared laugh. A sincere “How are you?” A leader who notices when you’re not yourself.
Barbara Fredrickson calls these moments nourishment for growth, health, and wellbeing. They change us, not just emotionally, but physically. They create the “social fabric” that holds teams together, even in challenging times.
If we ignore these connections, we risk workplaces that feel transactional rather than transformational. But when we prioritise them, we create spaces where people feel valued, safe, and motivated to give their best.
Leadership rooted in love doesn’t just improve relationships, it improves results.
Questions:
What’s one small connection you can make today to strengthen your team?
Who has shown you this kind of love in your career?
A loving workplace is intentional. It’s designed around sharing, connection, and care. Leaders who value love:
- Understand their colleagues’ stories.
- Talk openly about emotions.
- Protect trust when it’s broken.
- Embrace diversity in personalities and perspectives.
