Better Humans Make Better Leaders
Over the last nearly 30 years, we’ve coached thousands of leaders across various industries and at varying stages of leadership; yet we’ve consistently seen one principle ring true: Better humans make better leaders. This foundational belief is a key differentiator in our approach to coaching—influencing our frameworks and methodologies. And we’ve got the results to prove its effectiveness.
Our belief that better humans make better leaders is so integral to who we are at Building Champions that we even turned the phrase into our company tagline. But we understand that it can sound a bit ambiguous in meaning if you’re new to us, so we’d like to better explain what we mean by it, so that you can better understand who we are. In this article, we define what it means to be a better human and how when you work toward personal growth and align action with conviction, you’ll become the leader you’ve always wanted to be.
What Does It Mean to Be a Better Human?
Self-Awareness. Emotionally healthy people know themselves really well. They understand their natural strengths, unique skills, and areas for improvement. They possess a deep sense of purpose that drive their choices in both life and leadership. A high level of self-awareness enables you to recognize your blind spots and seek support from others as needed. You can always strengthen your emotional intelligence (EQ), but you must first honestly assess how self-aware you are currently and the impact that you’re having on those around you—it’s the first step toward growth!
A Holistic Approach to Life and Work. True leadership extends beyond the office. People who prioritize a holistic approach to life and work avoid burnout, model healthy boundaries, and bring their best selves to those they get to love, lead, and serve—both at work and at home. However, a person who is constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or neglecting key areas of life will struggle to inspire and support others effectively. Balance isn’t all about time management—it’s about ensuring that personal well-being, relationships, and professional goals are all nurtured.
Aligning Actions with Convictions. Integrity is at the heart of strong leadership. When people consistently align their actions with their core beliefs and values, they build trust and credibility. Team members want to follow leaders who are authentic, who stand by their convictions, and who make decisions based on principles rather than convenience. Leaders who act in alignment with their values create cultures of accountability, trust, and purpose within their organizations.
How Does That Make You a Better Leader?
Better Decisions. Self-aware leaders who align their actions with their convictions make better, more consistent decisions. They have a strong sense of purpose, refusing to waver under pressure or make choices based on short-term gain. Instead, they think long-term, considering the bigger picture and how their decisions affect their teams, organizations, and culture.
Greater Influence. Leaders who are intentional about personal growth naturally gain stronger influence because people trust them, respect their judgment, and see them as credible. Remember, influence isn’t developed overnight—it’s earned through integrity, consistency, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult. And as our CEO & Founder, Daniel Harkavy, says in his book, The 7 Perspectives of Effective Leaders, “Your leadership effectiveness will be determined by just two things: the decisions you make and the influence you have.”
Inspiring Growth in Others. When leaders prioritize growth, development, and self-awareness, they inspire their teams to do the same. Leadership sets the tone for an organization’s culture. And when your team sees you making thoughtful decisions, leading with integrity, and balancing life and work in a meaningful way, you give them permission to work on their own self-leadership and pursue healthy, balanced lives.
When leaders commit to being better humans, the impact extends far beyond their own development—it transforms the way they lead, make decisions, and influence those around them. By developing your self-awareness, approaching life and work holistically, and leading from a place of conviction, you’ll create a ripple effect within your organization. The impact will be felt not just in your leadership, but in the lives of those you lead.
If this sounds like something you’re after, then we’d love to work with you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation or check out our coaching offerings at the link below.
