Human Generosity: The New Currency of Leadership

In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world, we as leaders are needing to evolve at lightning speed. Leading with authority is dead and relying on titles doesn’t help in a landscape where trust is eroding, technology is transforming work, and teams are craving meaningful connection.

In fact as a senior leader sharing with me only yesterday “I have never worked in a business where people need more love!”

I believe the answer is Human Generosity.

“To influence in today’s world, lead with generosity, not authority. Generosity builds trust, and trust builds influence.” – Lisa May

Human Generosity is our new leadership currency – and when we invest in it, our teams will repay us with loyalty, innovation, and performance. But leadership generosity isn’t about giving in a material sense. It’s about how deeply you listen, how compassionately you lead, and how inclusively you act.

The Crisis of Trust in Leadership

According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, 61% of respondents believe establishment business leaders are intentionally misleading people. This crisis of trust reflects a concerning disconnect between leaders and their teams, especially in a world driven by AI and automation.

As Leaders we need to rethink our approach and our focus when it comes to people and in some cases that will require time and reinvention. The solution lies in building trust, which starts with Human Generosity.

“Generosity in leadership isn’t about what you give – it’s about how deeply you listen, how compassionately you lead, and how inclusively you act.” – Lisa May

What is Human Generosity in Leadership?

Human Generosity in leadership is about showing up for our teams with intention and integrity. It’s about creating genuine connection and acting with compassion and inclusivity.

The Human Generosity Model™ a proprietary model that draws on 30 years of corporate global experience is built on three key pillars:

1. Activate Your Listening

2. Lead with Compassion

3. Enhancing Business Inclusivity

Listening Deeply: A top 3 trust builder

In a world of AI and automation, active listening has become one of the most valuable leadership skills. Leaders who listen with intention demonstrate that they care about their teams’ voices, perspectives, and concerns.

Active listening builds trust. When leaders listen deeply, they create psychological safety – where employees feel heard and are empowered to contribute ideas, take risks, and collaborate openly. Trust grows, and so does team performance.

Leading with Compassion: Inspiring Loyalty

Compassionate leadership combines empathy with action. It’s about understanding your team’s challenges and taking steps to support them. Compassionate leaders create environments where teams feel valued and safe, inspiring loyalty and resilience.

Compassion creates loyalty – teams that feel supported are more likely to perform at higher levels, especially in times of uncertainty.

Acting Inclusively: Driving Innovation

Diversity is essential, but inclusion is where innovation happens. As Inclusive leaders we go beyond the surface-level of diversity by creating cultures where every voice is valued.

If we act inclusively we open the opportunity to unlock our team’s full potential by welcoming different perspectives, which drives innovation and creative solutions. When our teams feel seen and heard they are more motivated to contribute, leading to better business outcomes.

Why Human Generosity is the New Leadership Currency

“In today’s world, Human Generosity is the new leadership currency. Invest in it, and your team will repay you with loyalty, innovation, and performance.” – Lisa May

Leaders who prioritise listening, compassion, and inclusivity create teams that are more loyal, creative, and high-performing. As generous leader we can create a ripple effect across
an organisation, transforming individuals and teams, leading to lasting influence and business success.

The Leadership Challenge: Are You Ready?

The challenge is clear: To influence in today’s world, lead with generosity. Invest in Human Generosity and see the benefits of non negotiable trust, inspired teams and innovation. The rewards will be profound – as we build teams that feel valued and heard we will be repaid with their best efforts, creativity, and loyalty.

Are you ready to lead with generosity? Let’s make it happen – together.