I came across an Inc. magazine article yesterday, discussing how Microsoft recently reclaimed the world’s MVP title (most valuable publicly traded company) – an achievement that has less to do with some groundbreaking tech, and more to do with a profound psychological transformation within the company. CEO Satya Nadella's transformation of Microsoft isn’t just impressive; it's a masterclass in innovative leadership. Here are four game-changing takeaways:

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Nadella turned Microsoft around by ditching the old ‘know-it-all’ attitude for a ‘learn-it-all’ mentality. Leaders, this is our cue to foster environments where mistakes are stepping stones, and learning never stops. Challenge your teams, and yourself, to keep growing. Because when we stop learning, we stop leading effectively.

2. Lead with Empathy: This word’s become a corporate buzzword favorite - mistakenly filed away as a nice-to-have soft skill. Nadella however, has elevated empathy to a core strategy and powerhouse for innovation. It’s about genuinely understanding and valuing your team and customers. So, ask yourself, are you really listening? True leadership involves tuning into the needs and aspirations of those around you and using that understanding to drive positive change.

3. Embrace the Human Element: Nadella’s success isn’t just about the tech; it’s about how he understands people. As leaders, we need to get real about human psychology in our strategies. It's time to recognize the immense value of emotional intelligence in driving business success.

4. Embrace the Journey of Gradual Transformation: What Nadella's leadership also illustrates is that change is not always some rapid, disruptive force. Sometimes, it's slow, methodical, and requires patience. It's about giving space and grace for everyone to adapt, leave their imprint, iterate, and then practice. This kind of transformation allows for a deeper, more sustainable change as it seeps into the very fabric of an organization. It's a reminder that lasting success and innovation are often the result of a steady, ongoing process, not just a single, dramatic shift. Let's value gradual progress and understand that true change is a journey, not a sprint.

Bottom line? Leadership is not one-dimensional. It’s multifaceted, evolving, and most decidedly,  human. Let’s redefine what it means to lead, creating spaces that nurture growth, empathy, and innovation. Because when we lead with humanity, we don’t just transform businesses; we transform lives.