"Humans treating each other humanly..." For me this means acknowledging human needs that are perfectly legitimate in a work situation, such as the need to contribute, to be appreciated, to make a difference, and to belong.
I'm not suggesting you become a therapist to your employees, but a truly empowered manager and a leader understands that, just as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests, until we get certain needs addressed, we are just not going to function at our best.
You can't help them until you help yourself first.
I have talked about human needs at work from the perspective of how leaders must adapt to ensure they create an environment that allows organization members to get these needs met.
And yet lately I'm feeling like it is even more important that leaders focus on ensuring these needs are met in them, first.
It's like putting on your own oxygen mask before putting one on your child in an airplane. Really, how can we possibly really lead others, set a good example, inspire and create an environment where human needs are supported and facilitated, until we've addressed these needs for ourselves first?
You are digging yourself a hole if you've lost touch with how your own choices impact your productivity and wellbeing. What about your need to contribute, to be appreciated, to make a difference, and to belong? If you feel drawn to this, take a look at what you actually need and give yourself permission to get it.
This is a starting point for empowerment.
If you first know what it feels like to get your needs met you can much better facilitate and support your employees' human needs. This is important because (HERE'S THE SECRET) your employees are only as effective and empowered as you allow yourself to be.
So, today, what are you going to do to support your needs at work, as a leader and a human being?
