Human-centered leadership principles and behavior

Amsterdam Roots –
Openminded, multicultural
& entrepreneurial

12 human-centered leadership principles
to unlock the desired mindset and behavior
for sustainable change to grow
future-ready organizations.

For designated and informal leaders – those who have impact on the mindset and behavior, and thus performance, of others.

1. Psychological safety

Stay humble, light-hearted in times of serious change to create a safe space for physical, personal, social and wellbeing, co-creation, innovation and growth.

Being: authentic (stay human not super man), open minded/ non-judgmental, present, interested, curious, solution focused and positive.
Doing: co-creates guidelines that sets a clear framework how you like to collaborate and communicate. Checks in with themselves and with the people around them. Asks open positive and powerful questions (appreciative inquiry, Socratic meaningful conversations). Listens 80% of the time and talks 20%. Shared their own doubts, questions, best practices and brilliant failures.
Tools: power questions, collaboration guidelines

“Light-heartedness for the business of serious change.”

2. Embrace and dare to connect with “resistance”

There is not such thing as “resistance” – anger, scepticism or judgement – it is simply a defence mechanism based on fear that is often caused by (to much) uncertainty – fear for the unexpected.

“There are only two emotions: love and fear. All positive emotions come from love, all negative emotions from fear.” – Elisabeth Kubler Ros