Aesthetic leadership offers a unique pathway to enhancing employee well-being by integrating beauty, art, and sensory experiences into the workplace.
When Daniel Duke introduced the notion of defining leadership from an aesthetic perspective in 1986, it appeared counterintuitive in a world that viewed leaders from a more pragmatic lens, with ideas of beauty as the opposite pole of practical business. But with his assertion that, “Leadership, in fact, helps bring meaning to the relationships between individuals and greater entities – communities, organizations, nations,” one can draw the connection.
Where aesthetic leadership emphasizes the importance of beauty, art, and sensory experiences in leadership practices, it becomes the hope that followers are precisely able to “make sense” and “find meaning” in the vision, goals, and activities of the organization. The leader then has the vocation to “set the stage” for employees to find something attractive, good, and worthwhile in order to stay, to commit, to contribute. This approach goes beyond traditional leadership models by integrating aesthetic principles to create a more engaging and humane work environment.
Aesthetic leadership, employee well-being
Aesthetic leadership involves the application of artistic sensibilities and an appreciation for beauty in decision-making processes, communication, and organizational culture. Leaders who adopt this style prioritize the sensory and emotional aspects of the workplace, recognizing that employees are not just rational beings but also emotional and perceptive individuals. By fostering an environment that appeals to the senses and emotions, aesthetic leaders aim to enhance the overall employee experience.
Enhanced work environment
Aesthetic leaders pay attention to the physical workspace, ensuring it is visually appealing, comfortable, and conducive to productivity. Elements such as natural lighting, inspiring artwork, and thoughtfully designed layouts can significantly boost employees’ mood and satisfaction. A well-designed environment not only makes work more enjoyable but also reduces stress and fatigue, contributing to better mental health.
Emotional engagement
By incorporating storytelling, metaphors, and other artistic expressions into their communication, aesthetic leaders can resonate more deeply with their teams. This form of engagement fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among employees, as they feel more connected to the organization’s vision and values.
Encouragement of creativity
Aesthetic leadership encourages creativity by valuing diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Leaders who appreciate the arts are often more open to unconventional ideas and approaches. This openness creates a safe space for employees to express their creativity without fear of judgment, leading to increased innovation, motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Holistic development
Aesthetic leadership promotes the development of the whole person, not just the employee’s professional skills. By acknowledging and nurturing the aesthetic and emotional dimensions of individuals, leaders contribute to their overall well-being. Activities such as team-building through art projects or mindfulness sessions can enrich employees’ personal growth, leading to a more balanced and satisfying work life.
A unique pathway
In their article “Aesthetic Leadership: Exploring the Relationship Between Art and Leadership,” Hansen, Ropo, and Sauer (2007) discussed how aesthetic experiences in organizations can lead to deeper engagement and a more profound understanding of leadership dynamics. They argue that incorporating art and aesthetics into leadership practices can transform the organizational culture, making it more responsive to the human aspects of work. Employees feel acknowledged in their entirety, not just for their functional roles.
These ideas have been further developed in recent years. Duhamel, Niese, and Geuser (2023), in their work, “Imagining Aesthetic Leadership,” emphasized the role of leaders in fostering imagination and improving communication, for greater innovation and purpose. According to them, “the mission of the leader is not to determine the premises of decisions in an organization by applying the criteria of effectiveness and efficiency but to facilitate these choices by creating a favorable climate for its members to flourish.”
Indeed, a healthy, productive, innovative – even effective and efficient – workforce is not a result of managing (or micromanaging) KPIs, targets, quotas, and standards. In great part, it is a result of the kind of environment and culture leaders create that encourage, empower, and enable people to give their best for both themselves, and the organization.
Aesthetic leadership offers a unique pathway to enhancing employee well-being by integrating beauty, art, and sensory experiences into the workplace. By creating an environment that appeals to both the rational and emotional facets of individuals, leaders can foster a more engaged, creative, and satisfied workforce. As organizations continue to seek ways to improve employee well-being, embracing aesthetic leadership principles may serve as a valuable and enriching strategy.
Denver Bingski Daradar is a management consultant and trainer. He is an assistant professorial lecturer and doctoral candidate of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He can be reached at denver.daradar@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.