The Human Behind Every Task: Why Your Leadership Style Matters More Than You Think

That person you hired? They're human.

I know that sounds obvious but stick with me here. Over the years, I've witnessed something troubling in workplaces: the moment someone gets hired, they're often treated like a doormat. They arrive with all their experience and expertise, get a rushed 30-minute onboarding, and then get thrown into situations where they're left wondering what's actually going on.

Here's what I want you to remember: Behind every task is a human being. Whether they're a freelancer, contractor, or full-time employee, your team members are people — and your leadership should reflect that.

The Contractor vs. Employee Myth (And Why It's Dangerous)

Here's a common mistake I see businesses make: they hire a freelancer and tell themselves, "Well, they're not really part of the team because they send us invoices. We don't need to check in or support them beyond the work."

This puts your business in the danger zone.

When you operate this way, you create a revolving door of disengaged and disconnected contractors who won't invest in your business because you never invested in them.

Let me break this down with a real example:

You hire a virtual assistant who's a freelancer. Yes, they send invoices and offer services, but guess what? They're still part of your team. When you don't treat them like a human being, they notice. They do the work, but they also talk to people in their network about how you treat them.

Your Reputation Is Everything

No matter what you do in the workplace, you're building a reputation. Great word-of-mouth is amazing, but bad talk? That's going to kill your business.

Think about it: If I hire a VA who does good work, but I treat them poorly, they might stay for the money — but they'll tell others in their network that I'm not a good leader. It's a full circle effect.

Here's the kicker: Your clients notice how you treat your team. When clients discover you treat your team poorly, do you think they want to stay in your space?

It's like shopping at a store you love, only to find out the employees are being treated terribly. How would that make you feel as a consumer?

The Truth: Labels Don't Excuse Poor Leadership

Here's what I've learned over the years as a contractor: Labels do not excuse poor leadership.

Human-first leadership isn't just about delegating tasks and paying people. It's about:

• How you communicate

• The support you provide

• The value you place on your mission

The Power of Treating People Like People

When you treat all team members as humans first, magic happens:

✅ They stay longer

✅ They care more

✅ They feel seen, heard, and trusted

There will be challenging days. There will be days when you want to throw in the towel or take time off and that's okay. But when you show up with compassion, knowing you're building a business that makes a difference, remember: it starts internally.

The way things are internally will always impact how things are externally.

How to Lead Like They're Human: 5 Action Steps

Ready to make a change? Here are simple action items you can start implementing today:

1. Weekly Check-Ins (Yes, Even with Contractors)

Regular touchpoints show you care about more than just deliverables.

2. Clear Communication Beyond Tasks

Share context, vision, and the "why" behind the work.

3. Offer Feedback and Celebrate Wins

Recognition costs nothing but means everything.

4. Ask for Their Input and Actually Listen

Your team has valuable insights, use them.

5. Treat Them Like Partners, Not Vendors

This mindset shift changes everything.

The Culture Shift That Changes Everything

When you humanize every working relationship, you create a ripple effect that impacts your entire business. Remember: Every task, every deliverable, every project in your business is touched by a human being. Treat them like one.

Time for Reflection

Think about your team right now. Are you leading them, or just treating them like transactions?

As a business owner, I know there's a lot on your plate. We're not all perfect, and it's okay to ask for help. Even if it's just one question, I'm here for you. I'm rooting for you. I know you can do it and that you're making an amazing impact.

Ready to brainstorm ways to create an amazing experience for you, your business, and your team? I'd love to help. Feel free to email me (sara@youarerembertllc.com), let's build something incredible together.

What's one way you can show your team they're valued humans, not just resources? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.