Human skills are important to cultivate at any time, but they feel particularly relevant and critical now than ever before.
Beyond that, so much is in flux. From the ups and downs of politics, ongoing wars, economic and social inequality, the changing nature of work, and transformations being driven by AI, it is essential that we recognise what it means to be human and how to harness humanity to be able to thrive at a time when our very survival feels like it is being threatened.
Deep meaningful connections make us feel safe to be our true selves. But showing up in full authenticity seems to be a privilege rather than a right at the moment.
At times like this, it’s easy to feel powerless and to feel like we can’t each make a difference to get our collective connection back on track.
But there’s plenty we can do within our circles of influence and in our workplaces to make people feel safe to be their healthiest and highest performing selves.
This sense of connection, of inclusion and teamwork is at the heart of our Raise Your Human Game leadership training and why we believe these human leadership skills are so important right now.
Raise Your Human Game
Raise Your Human Game shows us how we can connect with others through our differences as well as our similarities. We know that human differences are essential to the highest performing teams and workplaces. Yet, all too frequently, our differences can be divisive. They can create misunderstanding, confusion and frustrations in the ways that we communicate and work together, impacting our overall sense of wellbeing and performance at work.
As we move into 2025, it’s clear that leaders need more than just technical know-how to succeed. More than ever, what really makes a difference are the very human skills of connection, curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.
According to our *POINT3 Wellbeing Insights 2024* report, it’s these qualities that set great leaders apart in today’s world.
Why Human Leadership Skills Matter
When we think about what makes someone a good leader, it’s easy to focus on things like driving results or hitting targets. And while they are still important, the conversation is shifting. Research (outlined in our 2024 Insights Paper) shows that a huge 85% of leaders agree that emotional intelligence and human connection are becoming essential to leading effectively in today’s workplace.
The modern workforce, especially younger employees, wants more than just a paycheck—they want to feel valued, understood, and supported. It’s no longer just about getting the job done; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel they can thrive.
Connecting on a human level
At the heart of effective leadership is the ability to connect on a human level. Leaders who are open, approachable, and genuinely interested in their teams’ experiences foster deeper trust and loyalty.
It’s not about being a “perfect” leader; rather, it’s about showing vulnerability, listening with curiosity, and creating a space where people feel safe to be themselves.
POINT3’s research underlines this shift, with findings showing that workers feel more engaged and motivated when they believe their leaders understand them beyond just their job roles. In a world that’s becoming more digitally driven, these human connections are more valuable than ever.
Leading with Curiosity
At the core, is the need for curiosity—truly understanding and respecting the different needs and expectations of the individuals in your teams. When we lead with curiosity, we can’t be judgemental, we can’t make assumptions or decisions based on our biases.
77% of people are more likely to stick with a company if they feel their mental health is being supported. Think about it: when your manager and leadership is curious and genuinely cares about you and your wellbeing, it makes all the difference in how you feel about your work.
Leaders with a curious mindset build trust and connection, creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and push through challenges together.
Resilience in the Face of Change
We’ve all seen how unpredictable the world can be. Leaders today need to be resilient—not just in the face of their own challenges, but in supporting their teams through tough times. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about creating spaces where people feel psychologically safe. When teams know their leaders have their backs, they can face uncertainty with more confidence and less fear.
Adapting to a Hybrid World
The hybrid work model is here to stay, and with it comes the need for adaptability. Managing a mix of remote and in-person teams is no easy task, but it’s one that leaders will need to master.
72% of companies are rethinking their leadership development programmes to help leaders navigate this new reality. Being adaptable means finding balance—flexibility when needed, but also clear, consistent communication so that everyone stays aligned and connected, no matter where they are working from.
The Future of Leadership
The research is clear: leaders who prioritise human skills like curiosity, resilience, and adaptability are setting themselves—and their teams—up for success. With burnout and mental health concerns on the rise, leaders who can really connect with their people will not only create happier, more engaged teams but also drive better results in the long run.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of leadership is less about having all the answers and more about being someone others can trust and turn to. It’s about being human—because at the end of the day, that’s what we respond to and that’s what sets us apart.
Interested in Raising the Human Leadership Game of your Leaders?
We’re inviting our HR and L&D communities to come along and sample our Raise Your Human Game leadership skills training, taking place on Zoom on the 20 November, 09.30am – 11am.
In this session, you’ll also have some time dedicated to you to focus on your own personal/professional development and you will get the chance to network with some fellow HR professionals.
If this sounds of interest, you can register here.
Come join us to find out what we can all do to build our human skills, and to help us all collectively be better humans in the workplace and beyond.
Be curious, be kind, be well 💫
