In our corporate microcosm, for about a couple of years we have started a participatory process of self-analysis of organizational and operational dynamics.
From the approach merely focused on reviewing procedures and operating instructions, we have moved to a new internal analytical approach, which, with the support of a staff of psychologists specialized in the management of work contexts, led to the root of our conflicts and to the identification of true medicine: listening, sharing, empathy, transparency.
These have proven to be the true cornerstones of well-being in work teams and corporate performance. Listening and sharing characterized both the phases of observation and subsequent intervention, with the collection of managerial views and those of each worker. From now on, team building initiatives and the structuring of new management and behavioural patterns have helped to bring what was not working back into common ground.
After a year of stages and meetings, that ground has become fertile to try to review the organizational and managerial structure of the company, aimed at giving us the opportunity to look with new eyes to the future, But always having as a compass a paradigm that undertraces already belonged to us: the gentle leadership.
WHICH IS THE BASIS OF GENTLE LEADERSHIP?
On trust and flexibility: focus on a person-centric model, in which we feel free to express ourselves, without the fear induced by hierarchical logics. In addition, the importance of adaptability, experimentation and creativity.
How does trust affect our lives? Here are the results of a survey conducted by hbritalia in June 2022:
It is therefore the adoption of a “trust by design” model: few clear rules and well explained by leaders to make decisions in a more informed way; ability to help employees perform better tasks, provide tools to learn from mistakes, listen to their passions. No longer result-oriented processes, but attentive to the relationship, to the talent of each person. The potential of each is a wealth to be developed. The benefit of the individual will then be passed on to the whole enterprise.(Macciocca, https://www.accademiadellagentilezza.it/).
As stated by Luca Brambilla: The Gentile Leadership is based on the correlation of three factors, equally determinant and interdependent, called “Triangle of Gentile Leadership”: results, motivation and well-being. It is not possible to transform with the collaboration of the other without the harmony of these three elements.
And yet, bearing in mind the interesting antithetical vision proposed by Gian Luca Teppati: “Kindness does not exclude firmness: it is not “Gentilecca”, it is not false courtesy. Kindness is the best means to dissipate anger and settle conflicts”
The kind leadership, however, does not seem to have yet made a breakthrough in the corporate culture and management style of Italian companies: from the 2024 research of the HR Innovation Practice Observatory at the Politecnico di Milano, it emerges that only 16% of those interviewed believe that they receive adequate recognition from their organization, also when it achieves its goals or has the necessary skills. This problem mainly affects women; only 9% feel well at work in terms of relational, psychological and physical well-being. Companies are struggling to implement support initiatives, particularly in the last two dimensions.
Source RADAR study, values, behaviors, tastes, consumption and policy choices, April 2024, SWG
The new focus on business growth
This brief excursus, which describes our desire to improve as a working environment and as a company, cannot but pass through the development of managerial figures in tune with the emerging canons of gentle leadership. The recent training course, proposed by POLIMI Graduate School of Management, has seen some of our colleagues involved in the course:
“Foundations of Leadership”, held by prof Baiguini, and in the next appointment held by teacher Francesca della Monica: “Leadership of people motivation and guidance of employees“.
The objectives? Increase knowledge about the dynamics that regulate team leaders and working groups, manage decision-making processes in groups, build your own managerial project, increase self-awareness to enhance personal leadership, Strengthen the ability to influence people and systems, build resonant relationships.
What has enriched the background of our colleagues? The acquisition of new points of view based on emotional intelligence, famous model of Goleman on the correct use of emotions; knowledge of various facets of intelligence and how the individual perceives reality with its own filters (senses, education, values, beliefs, habits etc); the confirmation of the three elements of empathy: observation, listening, communication, in the management of all our daily relationships, from private to work.
The immersion in this world has given us many ideas. The application of the teachings continues to fascinate us. Why? Because it is the energy of people that moves everything. Always. Of each individual who gives value to himself and his community of reference. Just locate that light of life and consciousness, as the famous series Lost teaches us, and give it the right direction to expand.
