My Gen Z son is pretty typical of his generation — it's as if they were born with a smartphone in hand. Sometimes I have to remind him (and myself) that despite all the technology at our fingertips, we’re still human. People haven’t changed as much as it seems: we still want to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and respected.

I've learned that the best way to connect with him is to start where he is — a simple text message. Nine times out of ten, he’ll respond not just digitally, but by stepping out of his room to answer me in person. It’s a small but powerful reminder: human connection still matters.

And it matters even more in leadership.

As executives, it's easy to get caught up in data, dashboards, and AI-driven everything. But we’re not managing robots (at least, not yet). We're leading people — and people perform at their best when they feel valued.

Today’s workforce expects more than just a paycheck. They want meaningful engagement. A 2023 Gallup study found that teams with higher engagement levels experience 23% higher profitability and 43% lower turnover. Simply put: treating people like people isn’t just nice — it’s a serious business advantage.

When I was starting my career in corporate retail, leadership was different. The president of the company dictated the culture, and the message was clear: if you wanted to succeed, you became a mini version of him. We all learned the unspoken rules — when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to fit into a narrow mold.

Today’s leadership requires something different: versatility.

Effective leaders now are expected to know their teams — their personalities, working styles, motivators, and communication preferences. It's not about being soft; it’s about being smart.

One simple, powerful tool I often recommend is a basic social styles assessment. It categorizes team members into four primary styles, helping leaders adapt their approach. For example:

Does your team member need time to process a request before responding?

Or do they prefer a fast, collaborative conversation in the moment?

Adjusting to these small preferences builds stronger bonds, increases trust, and drives better results.

When executives lead with a "human first" mindset, the benefits are undeniable:

Higher engagement

Lower turnover (cost savings)

Stronger culture and loyalty

Better long-term performance

At the end of the day, leadership isn't about mastering technology — it’s about mastering connection.

Stay human first. Your team — and your bottom line — will thank you for it.