Human-centered leadership: Creating change from the inside out.

Evers-Gerdes, B., & Gerdes, B. (2020). Human-centered leadership: Creating change from the inside out. Organizational Dynamics, 49(4), 100738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2020.100738

Evers-Gerdes and Gerdes propose a model of human-centered leadership (HCL) that prioritizes the internal development of the leader as a catalyst for organizational change. The authors argue that traditional leadership models often focus on external strategies and metrics, neglecting the emotional and psychological well-being of both leaders and followers. They introduce a framework centered on mindfulness, self-awareness, and empathy, suggesting that "change from the inside out" leads to more sustainable and authentic organizational cultures. The article evaluates the impact of HCL on employee engagement and innovation, asserting that when leaders view their employees as whole persons rather than mere human capital, trust and collaboration flourish. This source is particularly effective in bridging the gap between personal development and organizational performance. It provides a persuasive argument for integrating "soft skills" into the core of leadership practice to address the complexities of the modern, rapidly changing business landscape.