In a world dominated by AI, automation, and digital transformation, it’s easy to forget that people are our greatest asset. As leaders, we’re not just adapting to change - we’re shaping the future of work. The challenge? Moving beyond talk and truly putting people at the centre of our organisations. So how do we do that?

Here are a few practical strategies:

1. Active Listening: Real listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak - it’s about making people feel heard. We can encourage safe spaces for employees to share thoughts without interruption and ask better questions – instead of “What’s the update?”, try “How do you feel about this?” or “What’s your perspective?”

2. Empathy-Driven Decision-Making: Empathy isn’t a soft skill - it’s a business necessity. Have you ever thought of Empathy Maps where you visualise how decisions might impact different stakeholders? Leaders stepping into different roles by working on the floor to understand real challenges, can be awesome.

3. Feedback Loops: Feedback shouldn’t be a one-way street. While I’m not a fan of surveys, regular check-ins on employee morale can be helpful. Bringing individuals and teams together to tackle workplace challenges can also yield huge benefits.

4. Balancing Technology with the Human Touch: Tech should enhance, not replace, human connection. Some companies have "Tech-Free Tuesdays" (or Thursdays!) to encourage remote teams to prioritise face-to-face interaction.

Human-centred leadership isn’t a trend - it’s a necessity. It’s about creating environments where people feel empowered, inspired, and ready to do their best work.

Article by Veronica Anthony-David