As a project or program manager, you probably face a constant struggle to keep everything in balance. Between juggling multiple project portfolios and managing the cultural shifts within your organization, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you often catch yourself thinking, “I have too much on my plate,” or find yourself working weekends, missing precious time with your family just to keep up? If so, you’re not alone—and more importantly, there is a way to turn things around.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the insights shared in Productivity Smarts, the podcast hosted by productivity expert Gerald J. Leonard, which features Dr. Jennifer Nash, a leadership consultant who specializes in helping leaders prioritize people for powerful performance. We’ll explore how understanding the human side of leadership can help you reduce stress, improve your leadership effectiveness, and ultimately, regain control of your time and productivity.
Why Is Productivity So Hard for Leaders Today?
Let’s face it—leadership has never been more complex. Whether it’s AI automating parts of your job, or the constant pressure to deliver on results, many leaders are struggling with a constant sense of overwhelm. It’s no wonder that many leaders feel stressed and exhausted.
But here’s a key question for you: What if leadership wasn’t just about managing tasks, but about leading humans? Dr. Nash brings an important perspective to the table: leaders today need to shift their mindset from task management to people management. It’s easy to overlook the human element when you’re caught up in to-do lists, deadlines, and KPIs, but as Nash emphasizes, the real key to productivity is human connection.
Think about the last time you truly connected with your team—not to check on a deadline, but to understand their concerns, motivations, and challenges. When leaders take the time to genuinely connect with their teams, productivity soars. Why? Because people feel heard, appreciated, and motivated. And when your team thrives, so do you.
Human Leadership Starts with You
Have you ever considered how much human connection influences leadership success? Dr. Nash’s Human Leadership approach starts with recognizing the value of empathy, understanding, and appreciation in the workplace. As she recounts in the podcast, one small gesture—sending a heartfelt note of appreciation to Alan Mulally, then-CEO of Ford Motor Company—made a profound impact. That simple paper plate message let Mulally know that his efforts were appreciated, especially during challenging times.
So, here’s another question: When was the last time you acknowledged a team member, not for their output, but for their effort? For their leadership potential? If this feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar, you’re not alone. Our work culture often prioritizes results over relationships, but that mindset can actually harm productivity in the long run.
The HUMANS Framework: Leadership with Heart
Dr. Nash developed the HUMANS Framework, which stands for Hearing, Understanding, Mattering, Appreciating, Inspiring, and Seeing. This framework is all about helping leaders strengthen their relationships with their teams. Think of it as a leadership toolkit to help you better understand and support the human side of your organization.
For example, the “Hearing” component isn’t just about listening to what someone says—it’s about truly hearing their concerns and making them feel valued. Imagine how much more engaged your team would be if they knew you genuinely cared about their input.
Each letter of the HUMANS framework provides a specific focus area for leaders:
– Hearing: Are you really listening to your team’s needs and concerns?
– Understanding: Do you seek to understand each team member’s unique challenges?
– Mattering: Does each person on your team know they matter to the organization?
– Appreciating: How often do you express genuine appreciation?
– Inspiring: Are you inspiring your team to think bigger and act with purpose?
– Seeing: Do you acknowledge the whole person, not just their role?
By focusing on these human elements, you’ll not only improve your team’s performance, but you’ll also reduce stress and create a more positive, productive work environment for yourself.
Burnout and the Myth of “Doing More”
In the Productivity Smarts podcast, Gerald shares a personal story of overcoming burnout. After a serious bout of vertigo left him unable to work at his usual pace, he discovered something surprising: doing less actually led to greater productivity. This realization turned his understanding of productivity upside down.
Ask yourself this: How often do you feel like you need to be constantly busy to be productive? It’s a common misconception that productivity is all about time management, to-do lists, and squeezing as much as possible into each day. But in reality, pushing yourself to the brink can lead to burnout, decreased efficiency, and lower quality work.
What if, instead of focusing on “doing more,” you focused on “being more”—more mindful, more creative, and more intentional with your energy? Gerald’s experience shows that when you shift your focus from quantity to quality, you can achieve more in less time.
How to Lead with Empathy and Connection in the AI Age
One of the key challenges facing leaders today is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Many fear that AI will replace jobs and make human roles obsolete. However, Dr. Nash offers a counterintuitive perspective: instead of fearing AI, we should embrace it as an opportunity to enhance the human aspects of our jobs.
Think about it: AI can handle many of the mundane, transactional tasks that eat up your time. This frees you up to focus on what truly matters—building relationships, fostering creativity, and driving innovation within your team.
But to do that, you need to shift your mindset. Instead of seeing AI as a threat, see it as an ally that allows you to become a better leader. The future of work isn’t about choosing between AI and human leadership—it’s about integrating both to create a more balanced, effective approach to productivity.
Overcoming Resistance: Leadership Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
As Dr. Nash discusses in the podcast, leadership can often feel like a lonely road. This is especially true when you’re faced with tough decisions, high expectations, and the weight of responsibility. But here’s the truth: leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that as a leader, you need to have all the answers. In reality, great leaders are those who lean on others, seek support, and build strong teams. By focusing on human connection, you can create a network of support both within your team and among other leaders.
Consider this: How often do you reach out to peers or mentors for advice? How frequently do you allow yourself to show vulnerability? Building a strong support system will not only make you a better leader, but it will also help you navigate the inevitable challenges that come with leadership.
Practical Steps to Unlock Your Full Potential
Now that we’ve explored the importance of human leadership, empathy, and balance, let’s talk about practical steps you can take to unlock your full potential as a leader.
1. Assess Your Current Leadership Style: Use the HUMANS Leadership Index, a free 68-question assessment developed by Dr. Nash, to evaluate your current strengths and areas for improvement. This tool will give you a clear picture of where you are today and where you can grow.
2. Focus on Relationships: Make a conscious effort to connect with your team on a personal level. Start small—send a note of appreciation, take time to listen to their concerns, and let them know that their work matters.
3. Embrace AI: Instead of fearing AI, see it as an opportunity to delegate routine tasks and free up your time for more meaningful work. Focus on the human aspects of leadership that AI can’t replace—empathy, creativity, and collaboration.
4. Prioritize Well-being: Make self-care a priority. Whether it’s taking regular breaks, meditating, or even scheduling a nap during your workday, these small steps will help you recharge and maintain your energy for the long haul.
5. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Strong leaders are those who not only understand their own emotions but also empathize with others. Invest time in building your emotional intelligence through mindfulness practices, active listening, and reflection.
The Benefits of Being Human in Leadership
So, why does focusing on human leadership and productivity matter? The benefits are clear: less stress, better relationships, and improved performance across the board. Leaders who prioritize the human side of their roles tend to have more engaged teams, better work-life balance, and greater job satisfaction.
As Gerald and Dr. Nash both emphasize, being human in leadership isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It’s what sets great leaders apart from average ones. So, if you’re ready to unlock your full potential and lead with empathy, connection, and purpose, the Productivity Smarts podcast is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call to Action: Take the First Step Today
Are you ready to become a more human-centered leader? It’s time to stop burning out and start thriving. Tune in to the Productivity Smarts podcast for more insights, strategies, and real-life success stories that will help you transform your leadership approach.
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