Generative Leadership

When I was first in a leadership program, two managers asked me what kind of leader I wanted to become. I honestly don’t remember what I answered — but I’m sure it was unclear or something very general like “a good manager/leader.”
But how good is “good”? At that time, I didn’t have a perfect role model to aim for. I had collected bits and pieces from different managers, but never consolidated them. And it was only my first week or first month in the company.

Later, I was introduced to more concepts: the entrepreneurial mindset, compassionate leadership…
And then generative leadership — the one that stayed with me.

I learned about Generative Leadership from another course I mentioned earlier:
Future of Business: An Intercompany Course for Changemakers.

If you call yourself a leader, then at least once in your life, read and reflect on these articles from BCG:

I won’t go into detail here because those articles (and the video they recorded) cover everything thoroughly.

Generative Leadership is organized into three dimensions: head, heart, and hands, with different elements under each one. When you look at the framework, you’ll realize — this is the dream kind of manager or leader you would love to work with and learn from.

We all know how much the world, organizations, and employees need generative leadership today.
And no one starts perfect or naturally good at all three dimensions. But with practice — and the willingness to grow — we all get better.

What surprised me the most is that most people choose qualities related to the heart. I used to think people viewed leadership mainly as someone with a sharp mind, strong logic, and the ability to drive business results.

But if I pause and ask myself:

A leader with no “hands” — not ideal, but still workable.
A leader with no “head” — not ideal, but still workable.
A leader with no “heart” — this one is obvious. It’s impossible to survive working with someone who has no heart.

Even outside leadership — a human with no heart is simply… not human.

One day, we will find leaders who embody Generative Leadership.
And one day, we ourselves will become one.