Leading with Heart: Why people skills matter more than ever

Leadership insights come from many places - boardrooms, books, conferences, training courses. However, for me personally, some of the best lessons I've ever carried into my work in HR and business ownership came from a much more personal source: my late father. 

He wasn't a corporate leader or an executive coach. He was an ordinary man - a farmer - with extraordinary values. Over the years, he had a way of saying things that stuck.....simple phrases, said often, that spoke volumes about how to treat others, how to persevere, and how to live with purpose. 

These phrases have served me well in my career and continue to guide how I work with clients, leaders, and teams across all sectors. 

They also offer a blueprint for leadership that feels human, grounded, and timeless, and in today's world we need that style of leadership more than ever.

Take one day at a time 

Being a leader often feels relentless - long to-do lists, constant decisions, pressure to always be "on." Taking one day at a time brings clarity. It allows leaders to stay focused, present, and agile. Real progress happens through consistent effort, not overnight transformations. Strong leaders know that showing up every day for their teams - with intent and balance - is what makes the difference. 

If you're going to do it, do it right 

This was my father's way of saying: don't do things by halves. Good leadership isn't about flashy gestures or quick fixes. It's about doing the hard things with integrity, making decisions with care, treating people fairly, and delivering on what you say you'll do. When leaders commit fully, others follow suit. 

Treat the rich and the poor the same 

Fairness is at the heart of effective leadership. Whether someone is a senior executive or a junior employee, they deserve the same level of respect and consideration. Good leaders build cultures where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard regardless of job title or background. Equality isn't just a policy, it's a way of leading. 

Never, ever give up 

Resilience is essential. Things won't always go to plan, and leadership often involves navigating grey areas, tough calls, and setbacks. The ability to stay the course, especially when times are challenging, is what separates good leaders from great ones. Persistence inspires confidence and loyalty and lets your team know "we've got this, even if it's tough right now".

The show must go on 

There are moments when things don't go smoothly. Projects stall, plans change, crises hit. Leadership means keeping things moving anyway. It doesn't mean pretending everything is perfect. It's about acknowledging the reality and guiding your people through it. Leaders who stay calm and steady under pressure help others do the same. 

Always have hope 

It might sound soft, but hope is one of the strongest qualities a leader can have. Hope is the belief that things can get better. That progress is possible. That the work matters. Leaders who lead with hope create workplaces where people feel encouraged, trusted, and motivated to grow.... that's where the best work happens. 

These six phrases might not come from leadership textbooks, but they offer something deeper: a foundation. They've guided me for years, not just in work, but in life and they continue to shape how I support the leaders and organisations I work with today. 

If we take one day at a time, do things right, treat everyone equally, never give up, keep moving forward, and hold onto hope, we won't just become better leaders.....we will become better people. 

Thanks, Dad.