By Martha Boff, RDN
These days, being a leader isn’t just about hitting goals or having the best business strategies. It’s also about being genuinely interested in the people you work with. David Dodson’s The Manager’s Handbook and Michael A. West’s Compassionate Leadership explore these crucial aspects—managing effectively while showing up as a human. Here’s the key points on how to bring these ideas together.
Don’t Just Build a Team—Build Relationships
Dodson tells us that building a great team is step one, but the real magic happens when you go beyond that. Sure, you want talented people on board, but how often do you pause to understand what makes them tick? It’s about more than assigning tasks—try asking, “What are you passionate about? How can I help you grow?” or “What unique skills can you bring to this project?”
West emphasizes taking that extra step to show your team you care. Next time you ask someone how they’re doing, be ready to listen. These moments turn a group of employees into a team willing to go the extra mile. He says, “When staff feel more valued and cared for, they tend to feel more satisfied in their jobs and have increased commitment to their organizations.”
Time Is Important, But Energy Is Everything
We’ve all heard the phrase “time is money,” but energy is priceless. Dodson highlights the importance of managing your time, but you might miss out if your only focus is on the clock. He remarks, “What is needed is a handful of adjustments that don’t require any significant change to our existing routines yet increase the quantity and quality of the time we have.”
It’s crucial to notice when your team seems drained and to find ways to recharge them. Rather than pushing to the next task, find moments to inject fun or lightness into the workday. Sometimes, a quick laugh or a spontaneous break can do more for productivity than an extra hour of work ever could.
Be Open, Be Real
Dodson makes a point about seeking advice, but it’s more than just getting input. It’s about showing that you don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay. There’s strength in admitting when you’re unsure and being open to learning from those around you.
West would agree that this openness builds trust. When your team sees you’re willing to ask for help or admit when you’re wrong, they are invited to do the same. This creates a culture where everyone feels safe speaking up, sharing ideas, or challenging the status quo.
Stay Focused, But Stay Flexible
Dodson stresses the importance of having clear priorities. But life rarely follows a straight path. Projects shift, new challenges arise, and what seemed crucial yesterday might not be today.
Being a compassionate leader means recognizing when it’s time to adapt. Understanding that your team members have lives outside of work and that flexibility can keep everyone engaged and motivated.
Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
Here’s the thing about perfection—it’s a moving target. Dodson’s drive for high quality is necessary to grow a business, but encouraging progress can add even more value. Create a space where trying, failing, and trying again are part of the process.
West’s ideas on compassion fit perfectly here. Celebrate the effort, the lessons learned, and the small wins along the way. He notes, "Compassionate leadership is fundamental to creating cultures of improvement and radical innovation.” When people feel allowed to stumble without judgment, they’re more likely to push boundaries and innovate.
Final Thoughts on Leadership That Inspires
To lead effectively today, you must be both strategically organized and human. Dodson’s structured approach helps keep things moving, and West’s emphasis on empathy makes people want to stay on the journey with you. The best leaders can pivot between these two modes—driving results while genuinely caring for the people who make those results happen.
Ready to develop this balanced style of leadership?
Check out our continuing education courses, which dive deeper into these concepts and help you start leading with both strategy and heart.
Citations:
Dodson, D. (2023). The Manager’s Handbook: Five Simple Steps to Build a Team, Stay Focused, Make Better Decisions, and Crush Your Competition. Wiley (Course is 16.75 CE hours)
West, M. A. (2021). Compassionate Leadership: Sustaining Wisdom, Humanity and Presence in Health and Social Care. London: Emerald Publishing (Course is 11.75 CE hours)
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