What Does it Mean to be Human-Centered?
At Leverage to Lead, we talk a lot about Human-Centered Practices (HCPs). They are the foundation of our executive coaching, our organizational culture work, our leadership programs, and most recently, ANCHOR (our professional development program for Human-Centered Practices). But until now, we hadn’t put them all in one place.
We’re celebrating the fact that we finally have.
This handout is more than a list. It’s a reflection of everything we believe about how people and organizations expand what’s possible. These are not rules, checklists, or “shoulds.” They are practices. And like any practice, they take time, intention, and repetition, especially when you’re moving through change, conflict, or complexity.
Why We Practice Them
We created Human-Centered Practices to bridge the gap between values and behavior. To answer the question: How do I stay in alignment when things get hard?
They help us slow down in urgency, lead with both care and accountability, and relate with others without losing ourselves. These practices are simple, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. That’s why we name and practice them. They build upon each other, deepen our capacity with time and practice, and work in concert to support us in disrupting our own and others’ dehumanization.
We are so excited to share them with you.
You Might Feel Curious, Proud, or Even Repelled
That’s okay. These practices ask something of us. They challenge the cultural norms we’ve all absorbed, especially in systems where dehumanization is standard. You might feel excited, convicted, defensive, or hopeful. That’s all part of the work.
What we know is this: when you act in alignment with your values, it is the beginning of real, sustainable change.
Would You Like to Learn More?
We hope you’ll download the handout and explore what could be possible for you. And if you’d like to work together with Human-Centered Practices as the foundation, we hope you’ll be in touch.
✨ Learn more about our upcoming programs:
- Spring 2026: Leading for Organizational Health
- Fall 2026 ANCHOR
📄 Download the Human-Centered Practices Handout