
Zina Sutch and Patrick Malone
A heartfelt guide urging leaders to embrace love and laughter as essential tools for authentic, effective leadership and thriving workplaces.
The word 'love' has seven different types in ancient Greek philosophy, each describing a unique form of affection.
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Section 1
8 Sections
Leadership often calls to mind strategy, metrics, and authority, but beneath these lies a more profound truth:
The science behind love reveals a fascinating dance of brain chemicals — dopamine fuels our desire to bond, oxytocin builds trust and empathy, serotonin stabilizes mood, and even cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a role in the early stages of attachment. This neurochemical symphony explains why love is not just a feeling but a powerful force shaping our health, happiness, and how we lead. Consider the story of elephants who mourn their lost loved ones with rituals that show deep emotional bonds, or how capuchin monkeys choose fairness over selfish gain, reflecting altruistic love in nature.
Yet, love is often missing in leadership. Many leaders fear vulnerability, worry about professionalism, or cling to rigid roles that block authentic connection. This absence leads to disengagement, loneliness, and underperformance. Imagine a leader who follows every textbook rule but fails to inspire or be known by their team — a cautionary tale illustrating that leadership devoid of love is hollow. Conversely, leaders who prioritize care, like a coach who values players' well-being over trophies or a CEO beloved for fighting for employees, create cultures where people thrive.
As you embark on this journey, reflect on your own relationship with love. How often do you express genuine care at work? Do you nurture yourself as much as you nurture your team?
Now, let’s turn our attention to those leaders who embody love in action and the behaviors that bring it to life.
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Discover the transformative power of love and laughter in leadership and how it can revolutionize your team’s success and happiness.
Read articleExplore the science and stories behind why love and laughter are essential ingredients for high-performing, resilient teams.
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