by Sibongiseni Kumalo
Should leaders prioritise cold, hard facts, or navigate with the ever-changing tides of emotion?
The answer, as with most things in life, does not lie in absolutes, but in a nuanced understanding of both.
We can all appreciate that figuratively speaking, facts provide the ground we stand on. They are the data, the metrics, the objective reality that shapes our decisions. Ignoring them is reckless.
However, while facts tell us what is happening, they don’t tell us why it matters. That’s where feelings come in. They inject empathy, passion, and motivation into the equation. They tell us what resonates with us and others, what sparks commitment and drives action. Dismissing emotions creates a disconnect between leaders and teams, leaving decisions uninspiring and execution half-hearted.
So which matters more?
Neither. Effective leadership requires conscious and balanced awareness of both, using the strengths of each while mitigating their weaknesses. Use facts to inform, not dictate. Data should guide your choices, but not override your judgment.
Decisions must resonate
Take, for instance, employee satisfaction statistics: while they are important, understanding their emotional basis is crucial to creating lasting change.
Acknowledge that your team is not a machine driven by pure logic. Recognise and address their fears, aspirations, and frustrations. This fosters trust and creates a space for emotional intelligence to flourish.
Make fact-based decisions with heart. Analyse data objectively, but infuse your choices with understanding and empathy if you want to create buy-in and inspire people to go the extra mile.
Leading is not about choosing sides in a facts-vs-feelings paradox. It is about weaving the two together with wisdom and intention. This delicate art allows you to make sound decisions that resonate with your team, leading them not just efficiently, but also with heart and soul.
While facts might guide the ship, it is the emotional wind that fills its sails and propels it forward.