There are many ways to lead a team or organization, such as by pushing people to work harder, creating motivation through reward programs, or fostering positive relationships. However, our CEO, Didier Elzinga, believes that resonant leadership can be more effective. Resonant leadership involves inspiring others through consistent positive relationships and emotions. Successful leaders who practice resonant leadership can bring out the best in their team members.
Leaders can influence the emotional states of those around them. A resonant leader will uplift and inspire others, creating a harmonious and positive work environment. On the other hand, a leader who is negative and creates discord can have a detrimental impact on the team. Resonant leadership is about building strong connections with others and leading in a way that brings out the best in everyone.
What is resonant leadership?
Many articles discuss the actions of resonant leaders, but often fail to explain what resonant leadership truly means.
Resonance is like when a room or musical instrument makes a sound last longer by vibrating in sync. In leadership, resonant leaders send out positive or negative vibes that affect others in their organization. They understand that their actions can influence others and use emotional intelligence to guide and support them.
Resonant leaders don’t command like in the military; instead, they show who they are, what they value, and inspire others to act in alignment with those values. By developing emotional intelligence, they can channel their emotions to help their team achieve its goals.
Resonant leadership is about syncing with others and adjusting to their needs. It’s not just about being the smartest or most skilled, but about building strong relationships with team members. Resonant leaders have high emotional intelligence (EQ) and can connect well with their teams.
Employees trust and respect resonant leaders who care for them during tough times, such as downsizing or personal challenges. These leaders foster unity within the team and motivate employees to work towards common goals, even in stressful situations.
Why is resonant leadership important?
Before starting Culture Amp, Didier worked at Rising Sun Pictures, where he and his team created computer-generated imagery for movies like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. He noticed that many leaders made the mistake of thinking they could control everything once they were in charge. But in reality, leaders can’t directly control people. Instead, they need to create an environment where people believe in a mission and values that inspire them to work together.
Resonant leadership is about designing and nurturing this kind of environment. Leaders who practice resonant leadership focus on their actions and reasons for them, creating a positive influence that resonates throughout the company and unites everyone toward a common goal.
. Resonant leadership involves assertiveness, knowing your goals, and achieving them without aggression, while showing care and understanding.
In the book “Primal Leadership” by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boy atzis, and Annie McKee, they discuss four styles of resonant leadership, each of which can create a positive atmosphere and produce results when used effectively.
4 types of resonant leadership
In the book “Primal Leadership,” authors Daniel Goleman, Richard Boy Atzis, and Annie McKee talk about four types of resonant leadership. Each style is said to create a positive impact on a group and can lead to good results when used effectively.
- Visionary Leadership: Visionary leaders have a clear idea of where the company is going and share this vision with their team, motivating them to work together towards common goals. Everyone understands the importance of their role and is more likely to stay committed and work hard to achieve these goals. This leadership style involves having a strong strategic vision for the organization’s future and effectively communicating this vision to inspire team members to work together towards success.
- Coaching Leadership: This leadership style focuses on helping employees grow personally and requires leaders to genuinely care about individuals. This builds relationships, builds trust, and increases motivation. Coaching leadership involves one-on-one interactions and aims to support the personal development of employees, connecting their goals with those of the organization. By using coaching and mentoring techniques, leaders can help their team members improve professionally. A coaching leader gives constructive feedback, advice, and support to their team, helping them grow and develop.
- Affiliative Leadership: This is about how connecting employees helps build strong relationships and encourages teamwork. When leaders show empathy, it makes employees feel appreciated. Daniel recommends using the affiliative leadership style to mend conflicts, motivate team members during tough times, and strengthen bonds. This style focuses on building relationships and working together. Affiliative leaders can improve employee morale by valuing their feelings and showing empathy, an important skill in emotional intelligence. In a team, this leadership style can help resolve conflicts, provide support in stressful situations, and enhance connections. Over time, the collaborative relationships formed through this style can increase efficiency and productivity. Leaders who use this approach prioritize fostering strong connections among team members. An affiliative leader creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected.
- Democratic Leadership: Leaders who use the democratic leadership style openly ask employees for their input and invite them to be part of decision-making. This style focuses on valuing people’s opinions and getting their commitment through participation. It relies on the team’s knowledge to provide feedback and work together on decisions. Leaders using this style need emotional intelligence skills like teamwork, communication, conflict management, and control. They are good at communicating with and listening to others. Empathy is crucial for understanding the thoughts and feelings of a diverse group. By valuing feedback and engaging with employees, this style fosters awareness and team participation. It helps leaders build consensus and gather valuable information from team members. Collaboration and consensus-building are key aspects of this leadership style. Democratic leaders involve their team in making decisions, encourage open communication, and value each individual’s input.
So, you’re ready to be a resonant leader… now what?
Resonant leadership requires high emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, authenticity, and strong communication skills. You can’t fake these qualities. To be a resonant leader, you need to work on yourself first.
To increase self-awareness, pay attention to others’ behavior and practice mindfulness. Get feedback from others through a 360° review process to understand how you’re perceived and areas to improve.
Work on self-improvement through self-study or with a coach. Use regular reviews to track your progress. Resonant leadership builds strong connections with your team on an emotional level, fostering a supportive environment for growth and success.
To become a better leader, focus on:
1. Self-awareness: Understand your emotions, strengths, and areas to improve.
2. Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes to understand their motivations and emotions.
3. Authenticity: Be true to your values and beliefs to build trust with your team.
4. Effective communication: Listen actively, ask insightful questions, and provide constructive feedback.
5. Lead by example: Demonstrate positive behavior to inspire and empower your team.
Improving your emotional intelligence and leadership skills can help you become a strong and inspiring leader who supports your team’s success. Dedicate time and effort to developing these qualities for the benefit of your team and organization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resonant leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on building positive relationships, emotional intelligence, and creating a harmonious work environment. Leaders who practice resonant leadership are empathetic, inspire trust, and are able to connect with their team on an emotional level. By fostering a supportive and engaging work culture, resonant leaders can enhance employee well-being, motivation, and overall performance.