The End of 'Check Your Personal Life at the Door’: Why Leaders Must Embrace the Whole Person at Work
It wasn’t long ago that leaders were encouraged to separate personal and professional lives with a hard line—"check your feelings at the door" was the mantra. But the workplace has changed dramatically, and this old way of thinking no longer holds up—especially when 76% of employees report that workplace stress negatively impacts their personal relationships (American Institute of Stress).
Let’s face it: work and life aren’t separate silos. They’re deeply intertwined. Leaders who ignore this reality risk creating cultures of disconnection and burnout.
These stats point to an undeniable truth: Bringing your whole self to work isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business.
Here’s why:
According to a recent study, 89% of employees believe that work-life balance is critical to job satisfaction and performance.
Gallup reports that teams with high levels of well-being and engagement are 23% more profitable.
And perhaps most telling, Harvard Business Review found that psychological safety is the #1 predictor of high-performing teams.
As leaders, we can no longer afford to pretend that our teams aren’t impacted by what’s happening in their personal lives. The same is true for us. The days of leaving it all at the door are over.
So, what’s the brave move? Here’s how you can lead with courage and authenticity:
1️⃣ Acknowledge the Human Behind the Role
Be the kind of leader who asks, “How are you, really?” This simple question can open the door to deeper trust and connection. Research shows that 86% of employees are more likely to stay at a company if they feel their leaders care about their well-being (SHRM).
2️⃣ Build a Culture of Psychological Safety
Create spaces where people feel safe to share struggles, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment. Teams with high psychological safety see a 27% increase in team performance and a 50% reduction in turnover (Harvard Business Review).
3️⃣ Model Vulnerability
When leaders share their own challenges—appropriately—it opens the door for authenticity on the team. Normalize conversations about stress, mental health, and personal challenges. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust is the foundation of high-performing teams.
4️⃣ Revisit “How We Work”
Establish clear rules, rhythms, and routines that prioritize flexibility and respect for personal boundaries. Encourage your team to establish clear boundaries to protect their energy and well-being, but also be mindful of your own. Leadership starts with how you show up.
💡Here’s Your Leadership Challenge:
The days of stoic leadership are over. Ask yourself - are you creating an environment where people feel they can bring their whole selves to work?
When we lead with bravery, authenticity, and humanity, we don’t just improve culture—we unlock extraordinary levels of performance.
What’s one Small Brave Move you’ll make this week to show your team you value them as people first?