Insights from the Work

Observations, reflections, and practical guidance on leadership, organizational effectiveness, and the human experience of work.

Leadership is human work.

How we lead is shaped by how we relate to being human.

At StartHuman, we believe leadership effectiveness requires developing more conscious relationships with three fundamental aspects of the human experience: power, fear, and vulnerability.

We call this The StartHuman Way™.

Three invitations to lead with greater awareness, compassion, and choice:

  • Stand in Service™: Choose commitment over compliance.

  • Befriend Fear™: Choose presence over protection.

  • Sit in the Fire™: Choose integrity over relief.

Here, we explore the human side of leadership effectiveness—the patterns, choices, and everyday behaviors that shape our relationships, our impact, and the cultures we create.

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Stand in Service Amber Barnes Stand in Service Amber Barnes

Why Do Leaders Exist?

We assume leaders know why they exist. But after 20 years in leadership development, I've learned that's often not the case. When leadership purpose isn't intentionally defined, people are left to figure it out for themselves—and the people they lead experience the consequences. Here's why it's time to stop leaving leadership to chance.

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