"No sigo el libro de reglas. Guío desde el corazón, no desde la cabeza."

Leading from the heart means prioritizing empathy, compassion, and personal connection over strict adherence to rules and mental calculations. It’s about being guided by intuition and emotional intelligence rather than just cold, hard logic. Think of it as choosing to be human first, allowing your feelings and values to shape your decisions.

This idea often resonates in times of crisis or significant change. Look at the example of Princess Diana, who is often associated with this quote. She became known for her empathetic approach—whether it was shaking hands with AIDS patients or personally hugging children in hospitals, she broke royal protocol to connect on a human level. Her actions weren't dictated by what was on paper, but by what she felt was right in her heart. This approach can sometimes be seen as risky or unconventional, but it often leads to genuine connection and profound impact.

Let's dive into a real-world example. Imagine you’re a manager at a company that's going through tough times financially. The rule book might suggest cutting staff to save money. But leading from the heart? That might mean sitting down with your team, being transparent about the financial situation, and brainstorming ways to keep everyone employed. You might find innovative solutions—like temporary pay cuts, voluntary unpaid leave, or even crowdfunding—because your team feels valued and is willing to go the extra mile.

Now, think about how you can apply this wisdom. First, listen to your gut feelings. When faced with a decision, take a moment to consider not just the logical outcome but also the emotional impact. Ask yourself, "How will this affect the people involved?" Second, practice empathy. Make an effort to understand others' perspectives and feelings. This can help you make decisions that are not only smart but also kind and fair. Lastly, be courageous. Leading with your heart isn't always the easiest path—it can be scary to go against the grain—but it's often the most rewarding.

Picture this scenario: You're the coach of a kids' soccer team. One of your players, Jamie, is struggling and missing practices because his mom is sick. The rule book says he should be benched. But your heart tells you something different. You decide to talk to Jamie and learn about his situation. Instead of benching him, you offer extra support, maybe even organizing a carpool to help him get to practices. Jamie's performance might not improve overnight, but he feels supported and valued. The team sees this and learns a lesson in compassion and teamwork that they'll carry for life. This story shows the power of leading from the heart.

People remember how you make them feel more than what you do. So next time you're faced with a tough decision, try putting the rule book aside for a moment. Lead with empathy and compassion. It can make all the difference.