Leading from the heart to create meaningful change
‘When people are led from the heart through a servant leadership approach, the individual performs at a higher level because the leader treats him or her with dignity and respect. The leader has taken the time to build trusted relationships with employees, continually communicating the meaning and purpose of what the organisation does.’
At Yoga For Good, we know that leading from the heart builds trust, fosters empathy and creates lasting change. Our commitment to community and connection drives everything we do, with servant leadership at the heart of our mission to share yoga’s transformative power. This approach aligns with the principles of karma yoga, where selfless service and compassion bring people together and inspire positive impact.
The essence of leading with heart
Heart-led leadership is about guiding others with kindness, emotional intelligence and a deep sense of care.
It requires emotional maturity and agility as leaders navigate challenges with understanding, prioritise the needs of those they lead, and create an environment where people feel valued and empowered.
Authenticity and understanding are key to effective leadership, as they demonstrate integrity and build trust. When leaders are authentic, they earn credibility and inspire confidence, creating an environment where individuals feel seen and heard.
This strengthens communication, boosts collaboration and encourages a culture of mutual respect and teamwork. The values intertwined with leadership from the heart, like authenticity, compassion and empathy, mirror the core principles of yoga. Just as yoga promotes mindfulness, presence, and self-awareness, these leadership qualities guide intentional actions that prioritise others.
The impact of heart-centred leadership in organisations
As a non-profit, our decisions are guided by empathy and service.
We value the collective strength of our yogi community and are dedicated to providing a space where everyone can contribute, grow and thrive together.
Emotional intelligence involves recognising, understanding and managing our own emotions and those of others. It includes self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills.
When leaders master these abilities, they can connect more deeply with others, respond thoughtfully to situations and make better decisions while building stronger team dynamics and relationships.
Research into heart-led leadership highlights its positive impact on success and employee satisfaction. While some argue it may lead to emotional burnout or bias, the benefits include increased employee engagement and performance (Journal of Management), improved organisational outcomes (Journal of Business Ethics), and greater resilience during crises (South African Journal of Psychology).
Applying more heart-led principles
Let’s explore how some specific heart-led leadership principles can strengthen connections and enhance team dynamics.
Active listening is a crucial aspect of servant leadership. It involves fully focusing on, understanding and responding to communication from team members.
This practice goes beyond merely hearing words, requiring leaders to engage with empathy and mindfulness.
By doing so, it demonstrates respect for the perspectives of others.
Validating emotions requires acknowledging and accepting the feelings of others without judgment. It’s a powerful tool for building emotional connections and trust within a team. Empathetic leadership can reduce stress and enhance communication.
Finally, leading with vulnerability builds trust and relatability. It involves embracing openness and authenticity and acknowledging one’s own weaknesses and uncertainties. This style of leadership creates a culture of transparency where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth.
Inspiring change and leaving a lasting impression
Here are some inspiring thoughts on servant leadership and its transformative power:
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.” – Robert K. Greenleaf
“True leadership is serving others. It is about giving power, not taking it. It is about empowering people to perform to the best of their abilities.” – Ken Blanchard
“Leadership is not about being the best. It’s about making others better.” – Unknown
“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” – John Wooden
Connect with your true self through the transformative power of yoga
As 2025 approaches and we prepare for another year of sharing yoga’s transformational power, we’re reflecting on our organisation and the businesses we support through yoga grants. We are mindful of how the values of yoga align with those of heart-led and servant leadership, knowing that this approach fosters lasting relationships and strong teams.
Connect with your true self and discover your inner heart-led leader by attending our free community classes.
For additional insights on yoga, as well as numerous other valuable lessons, explore our Yoga for Good Foundation articles.
Community yoga classes
We are passionate about sharing the joy of practising yoga and offering you an opportunity to connect with your true self on a regular basis.
View previous classes or book now for our next class.
Free
9th April 2025 - 12:00noon to 1:00pm
Adele Vincent - Autumn Metal element Lung Meridian Class
Online Yoga Community Class Link
Meeting ID: 857 0027 0942
Passcode: 440803
This class builds resistance to respiratory issues and bolsters optimism and hope. With Japanese yoga therapy for the Lungs and large intestine meridians, we can improve the function of these organs, recover faster from colds/flu/COVID-19/long COVID-19, purify the body and clear the mind.
Dr Adele Vincent is a qualified neuroscientist with extensive training in various yoga traditions. Her main style is transformative meridian-based yoga therapy, which she shares through her online resource, Move Yoga Therapy.
Adele is a Director at YFG, Ryoho Yoga and The Yoga Solution. She is also the author of children’s yoga therapy books with Loraine Rushton of Zenergy Yoga and a co-trainer in teaching children’s yoga. Try this yoga class to clear brain fog and fatigue, feel vibrant and energetic, and repeat it often to maintain good health all winter.
Free
13th May 2025 - 12:00nn to 1:00pm
Clare Hattersley – Holistic Hatha Yoga Community Class – Tuesday
Online Yoga Community Class Link
Meeting ID: 857 5028 6177
Passcode: 156514
Clare’s holistic hatha yoga class begins with Asanas (physical movements) to boost physical vitality. It is followed by yoga nidra for deep relaxation and meditation for increased awareness and presence. She provides variations to help you practise in a way that feels right for you.
Clare is an experienced Yoga teacher and Creative Development coach who loves facilitating transformation for her clients through her offerings at ‘Inspire Creating’. Having practised various yoga styles for many decades, she teaches holistic hatha yoga interwoven with elements of other styles and a meditative focus.
In this class, Clare will nurture your exploration of potential, regardless of age or physical condition. She will guide you through a potent yoga experience, leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed and revitalised.
Testimonials
Our sole mission is to create opportunities to do good for others through yoga.
And we’re making an impact.
A huge thank you to the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…for their incredible contribution to our Life Now Yoga and meditation programs!
This generous donation will mean we can buy new yoga equipment, run a new yoga class in Broome, and enhance our meditation program for cancer patients and their primary carers.
Cancer Council Western AustraliaSending out gratitude to the Yoga for Good Foundation.
Their grant is enabling me to offer FREE trauma informed therapeutic movement and relaxation to frontline mental health and social services staff in Bega.
Participants are really valuing the time out for themselves and experiencing integrated poly vagal theory. And I get to be in a teaching space, yay!
PremKranti CounsellingThe generous grant we've been awarded from the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…allows us to reach more underserved and vulnerable community groups who can benefit from a trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness practice at zero cost to the participants.
Some of the community groups we’ll be serving in the current months include 000 Foundation, Men’s Walk and Talk and WAGEC.
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