In her thought-provoking article, Treasure in Broken Sentences, Anjali Dutta, currently the Vice President at Tech Mahindra, delves into the essence of leadership in a world dominated by speed, AI, and automation. She reflects on the importance of embracing broken sentences and unpolished communication, emphasizing that true leadership lies in understanding the unspoken emotions and nuances often overlooked. “Leadership demands more,” she writes. “It calls for understanding, empathy, and the ability to decode the unspoken.”
Secret of Broken Sentences
Our lives are filled with experiences and learnings—some we realize and many that remain unnoticed, quietly shaping us in the background.
At one point, I thought of capturing these thoughts in writing. Then it struck me: we live in a world driven by speed, AI, and humanoids. Why not ask AI to refine my writing?
The result? It was extremely polished—simple, concise, and to the point. It ticked all the boxes, filled with technical keywords that the world easily understands.
Yet, something was missing. The emotions I felt while writing didn’t quite come through.
Cut to Leadership
Sometimes, as leaders, we receive emails from our team written with broken sentences. Other times, an anxious team member might call, speaking quickly about an issue, or someone might simply avoid conversations, gradually fading into the background.
As practitioners of the ‘fast world,’ we often dismiss such emails or calls as a ‘lack of communication skills,’ asking our teams to present the problem in a concise manner. But in doing so, we overlook countless hidden cues—nuances that even the most polished sentences fail to reveal.
Leadership demands more. It calls for understanding, empathy, and the ability to decode the unspoken.
1. Develop Emotional Intelligence
True leadership starts with understanding the emotions and challenges that shape your team.
- Hear the Silence: Learn to read what’s unsaid.
- Listen Actively: Don’t just hear—listen with honesty, empathy, and the intention to resolve.
- Find the Unspoken Truths: Challenge assumptions and uncover hidden conflicts.
- Commit to the Cause: Go beyond mere dedication; bring genuine resolve.
- Explore the “Why”: Understand not only the motivations of others but also your own.
- Stay Open: Avoid falling into the “I already know” trap—always seek fresh perspectives.
2. Redefine Smartness
Smartness isn’t about taking shortcuts—it’s about leveraging resources and creating lasting value.
- Balance Humanity and Efficiency: Stay alert, empathetic, and adaptable while holding onto the essence of being human.
- Avoid Over-Engineering: Don’t let efficiency strip away the core of what makes us unique—our emotions, creativity, and intuition.
- Unlock True Potential: Use tools like AI to empower your thinking, not replace it.
- Stay Human: Smartness is in staying grounded while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.
3. Foster a Culture of Fearless Innovation
- Rediscover Play: As children, we thrived on adventure, challenges, and problem-solving. We created obstacles just to overcome them, delighting in discovery and victory. These experiences reveal the limitless potential of the human mind.Yet, as we grow, societal judgment often stifles this natural creativity. Fear of failure and criticism conditions us to avoid risk, quelling our curiosity and hindering innovation.As leaders, it’s our responsibility to reverse this trend. We must create environments that encourage playfulness and experimentation—spaces where individuals feel empowered to embrace challenges and realize their full potential. The world is a blank canvas, waiting for bold strokes. Invite your team to create their own masterpiece, write their own story, and dare to change the game. Build a culture where they don’t just dream of success but actively pursue it with passion and purpose.
- Play Fearlessly: True innovation springs from fearless play. It flourishes when people are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones without fear of judgment or failure.Grant your team the freedom to challenge norms and take creative risks. Inspire them to see problems as opportunities for growth. Foster a psychologically safe space where mistakes are celebrated as stepping stones toward success.
4. Be the North Star
Leadership isn’t just about processes; it’s about guiding people through uncertainty and change.
- Respect Individuality: Understand emotions, fears, and strengths while addressing concerns.
- Build Trust Through Transparency: Explain, re-explain, and openly admit mistakes—it builds trust.
- Lead with Conviction: Show your vision, sketch actionable plans, and take feedback with grace.
- Face the Unknown: It’s okay to admit when you don’t have all the answers—honesty fosters confidence.
- Communicate Structurally: Unstructured communication breeds confusion; clarity is key.
5. Celebrate Unsung Heroes
True leadership shines brightest when it uplifts others. Celebrating unsung heroes within your organization helps create a culture of appreciation and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
- Shift the Spotlight: Focus on recognizing the efforts of those who often go unnoticed. Acknowledge their contributions in meetings or privately to inspire them and others. This creates a culture where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
- Reject Checklists: Move beyond rigid processes and engage with your team in meaningful, unscripted ways. Genuine, personal interactions build trust and foster a deeper connection. Taking time for real conversations strengthens the bond between leaders and their teams.
- Honor Differences: Embrace and celebrate individuality to create an inclusive environment. Valuing diverse perspectives fosters creativity and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels respected and empowered to contribute their unique strengths.
6. Prioritize People Over Resources
In a world where metrics and automation often take center stage, it’s crucial to remember that your people are your greatest asset.
- Value Employee Experience: Treat your team members as individuals, not numbers. They deserve respect, care, and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
- Break Emotional Barriers: Support your team in overcoming mental and emotional hurdles that hinder their potential. Create an environment where they feel safe to take risks and learn from failures.
- Lead With Empathy: While technology drives efficiency, human connection remains essential. Show empathy by understanding and addressing the challenges your team faces, fostering an environment where they feel heard and supported.
Conclusion
In a fast-moving world of AI and humanoids, let us not forget what makes us truly human—our emotions, creativity, and connections.
As leaders, our mission isn’t just to drive results but to inspire and empower. By embracing broken sentences, unspoken emotions, and unseen heroes, we create environments where people thrive and stories are rewritten.
Let us lead fearlessly, listen empathetically, and paint a world where everyone dares to dream and achieve what they deserve.