Leading With Humanity, Humility and Humour With Captain Emma Henderson
By Helen Wada with Emma Henderson
Balancing Leadership with Empathy. Are we truly embracing it?
In the latest episode of Human Wise, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Henderson, a former airline captain for Easyjet, commercial pilot, and co-founder of an impactful NHS support initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emma embodies the principles of leading with humanity, humility, and humour, essential traits for navigating today's complex world of work and life.
In an age where remote working has blurred the lines between professional and personal life, Emma stresses the importance of human connection and effective leadership through empathy.
Emma: “As the world shifts towards remote work, we're grappling with a critical tension: maintaining the vital human connections that define our experiences while leveraging the benefits of digital advancements. The future of work has to balance these elements to thrive.”
So, how can we preserve and nurture human connections in the age of remote work?
Here are some key insights from my conversation with Emma:
The Essence of Human Connection
Emma recounted her diverse career path, highlighting the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. She remarked how the authentic connections fostered among crew members and passengers contributed to an enriching work environment, a stark contrast to the isolation often experienced in remote setups.
Helen: “The essence of human connection in the workplace cannot be understated. It grounds our professional commitments and enhances our personal satisfaction, bridging the gap between colleagues and clients alike.”
The Importance of Empathy
Emma’s initiative during COVID-19, co-founding a support program for NHS staff, underscores the unmatched power of empathy. Through the creation of hospital lounges, where her team provided “tea and empathy,” she catalyzed an environment of support and understanding for frontline workers.
Emma: “Empathy creates a ripple effect of positive change. It’s the cornerstone of meaningful human interactions, promoting a workplace culture where individuals feel valued and understood.”
The Strength of Humility
One of the key themes Emma and I explored was the significance of humility in leadership. Emma discussed how great leaders often share the fame but take the blame, emphasising that a lack of ego fosters a collaborative and trusting work environment.
Emma: “Humility is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It isn't about diminishing oneself, but rather, recognising and elevating the strengths of others. By sharing the fame and taking the blame, leaders cultivate an atmosphere of collective responsibility and trust.”
Maintaining Team Connections
Our discussion highlighted the significance of sustaining team connections in a hybrid work model. Emma's experience running a charity remotely demonstrated the utility of dedicated platforms like WhatsApp groups to simulate office banter and support.
Helen: “Digital tools can help bridge the gap, yet they still need to be supplemented by occasional in-person interactions to keep the team spirit alive. It’s a hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds.”
Innovation and Productivity
With the rise of remote meeting tools, there's an added layer of convenience, yet Emma voices concerns about innovation and productivity slipping through the cracks due to fewer face-to-face meetings.
Emma: “While remote work offers environmental and logistical benefits, we can't ignore the sluggish innovation and occasional inefficiencies. Balancing remote and physical interactions ensures fresh ideas and swift problem-solving.”
Practical Steps Towards Human-Centered Remote Work
Here are practical steps that Emma and I believe can enhance human connections in remote work:
Scheduled In-Person Interactions: Regularly scheduled meet-ups foster team cohesion and bolster morale, anchoring remote efforts with tangible human interactions.
Dedicated Workspaces: Create specific areas for work and personal life to maintain clear mental boundaries, preventing burnout.
Empathy Practices: Encourage empathy through structured initiatives that promote genuine care and concern within teams.
Active Digital Engagement: Use digital tools to simulate spontaneous office interactions, maintaining the informal communication essential for team dynamics.
Key Takeaways From Our Conversation
Finding connection in a hybrid world
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Focus on the person behind the conversation
Great leaders share the fame and take the blame
Having fun!!!
Final Thoughts
Leading with humanity, humility, and humour is more than an ideal; it’s a tangible approach that can transform our professional and personal lives. From acknowledging human connections to fostering a culture of transparency and trust, each step toward these principles can drive meaningful success and fulfillment.
For a deeper insight into our enlightening conversation, listen to the full podcast episode with Emma Henderson here, or reach out to me on LinkedIn.
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Connect with Emma on LinkedIn, and her website emmadashhenderson.com.
Human Wise releases new episodes weekly and is available on all major podcast platforms.