A new theatrical production explores the concept of empathetic leadership, questioning traditional power structures in business and society. The play, titled "Boss/y Helvetia," features actress Fabienne Hadorn and examines how principles from the theater world could reshape corporate culture.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional leadership often prioritizes dominance over empathy.
- "Feminist Leadership" focuses on distributed power and human-centric approaches.
- The theater scene offers models for flat hierarchies and collaborative work.
- Simple tools like daily 'check-ins' can significantly improve team well-being and productivity.
- The "Boss/y Helvetia" production aims to make feminist leadership accessible and engaging.
Rethinking Power in Leadership Roles
For decades, men have held the majority of positions on company boards and in political bodies. Traditional views often label leadership ambitions and personal power drives as unfeminine. This perception can limit opportunities and shape workplace dynamics in ways that are no longer effective.
The "feminist Leaderabend" production, "Boss/y Helvetia," directly addresses these issues. Staged at Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn, the show, directed by Sophie and Lisa Stepf, features Zurich actress Fabienne Hadorn. Hadorn is well-known for her work in theater and television, including "Die Sendung des Monats."
Historical Context of Leadership
Historically, leadership models have often been built on hierarchical structures, emphasizing top-down decision-making and a command-and-control approach. This has been prevalent in many industries, from manufacturing to finance, shaping how organizations operate and how employees are managed.
Fabienne Hadorn on Personal and Professional Power
Fabienne Hadorn discusses her personal experience with power. As a mother, she aims for an early distribution of power within her family. She emphasizes that this approach does not diminish parental responsibility. Instead, it allows younger individuals to thrive when not subjected to a patriarchal leadership style.
In her professional life, Hadorn found traditional theater structures challenging. She disliked being a mere tool for directors without having a say in creative decisions. This led her to the independent theater scene, which she describes as her true home. This sector often features flat hierarchies, a characteristic shared with feminist leadership principles.
"As a mother, ha! In the family sphere, I find it great to aim for power distribution as early as possible. This does not mean that parents bear no responsibility. But it is wonderful to see how young people blossom when you do not cultivate a patriarchal leadership style."
— Fabienne Hadorn, Actress
Understanding Feminist Leadership
Feminist leadership is not simply about putting women in charge. It focuses on the empathetic distribution of power. This approach seeks to deploy participants most efficiently, ensuring no one is exploited. It involves seeing employees as whole individuals, not just their professional skills.
This style considers the full range of what makes a person, rather than just their technical ability. It also questions what environment an employee needs to feel comfortable and work optimally. This perspective moves beyond a narrow view of productivity to encompass overall well-being.
The Rise of Empathy in Business
Recent studies suggest that companies with empathetic leadership have 20% higher employee retention rates and 15% greater productivity. This shift highlights a growing recognition of the human element in workplace success.
The Power of a Simple Check-in
One of the simplest tools in empathetic leadership is the daily check-in. This involves a brief team gathering each morning. During this time, each person shares how they are feeling, what they are looking forward to, or any non-work-related issues on their mind. Everyone gets a moment to speak.
Hadorn believes this practice can profoundly change how a workday begins. It acknowledges the human aspect of employees, fostering a sense of connection and understanding within the team. This contrasts sharply with highly hierarchical organizations.
In such traditional settings, employees are often not fully recognized as individuals. Their professional skills might also be overlooked. This can lead to feelings of being unseen and, ultimately, to employees leaving the company. This happens even when these individuals are highly creative and could be valuable assets to the organization.
Avoiding Exploitation in the Workplace
Hadorn also points out that the business world sometimes adopts negative practices from the independent theater scene. In artistic fields, individuals often exploit themselves due to their passion for a project. This self-exploitation can be replicated in business. Companies may leverage an employee's passion to assign excessive responsibilities for inadequate compensation.
This practice highlights a critical ethical concern within modern workplaces. Valuing employees for their passion should not translate into overworking them or underpaying them. A truly empathetic leadership model would prevent such exploitation.
"Boss/y Helvetia": Making Feminism Accessible
Hadorn finds the "Boss/y Helvetia" project highly accessible. It combines music with theatrical performances by five women who portray real-world figures. They recite speeches from women in politics, which are both intelligent and easy to understand.
An example is a speech from 1983 by former German Green politician Waltraud Schoppe. Despite being insightful, it was met with laughter in the Bundestag at the time. Hadorn emphasizes the importance of making feminism engaging and fun, advocating for "Fun Feminism."
The play integrates theoretical concepts into a practical, interactive experience. The stage opens up, allowing audience members to engage in various activities with the performers. This includes a bar and communal singing, creating an immersive infotainment experience.
"Boss/y Helvetia" promises a blend of beautiful music, witty scenes, powerful speeches, and educational content. The production opens at Stadttheater Biel and Solothurn on September 19th. It offers a fresh perspective on leadership and societal roles.
Theater as a Mirror to Society
Theater has long served as a platform for social commentary and change. Productions like "Boss/y Helvetia" use artistic expression to challenge norms and provoke thought, making complex societal issues more relatable and understandable to a wider audience.
The Broader Impact of Empathetic Leadership
The themes explored in "Boss/y Helvetia" resonate beyond the stage. They touch upon fundamental questions about how organizations are structured and how individuals are valued. Shifting towards empathetic leadership can lead to more inclusive, productive, and humane work environments.
This involves recognizing the full potential of every team member. It means creating spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered. Such an approach can foster innovation and loyalty, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.
The conversation around leadership is evolving. As more workplaces recognize the importance of well-being and diversity, empathetic models become increasingly relevant. The insights from the arts, as highlighted by Hadorn, offer valuable lessons for business leaders seeking to adapt and thrive in a changing world.