Taking stock in what is known as a business’s intangible assets in classic terms does not include people. Yet when we read between the lines, while people may not qualify as such, according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), they represent what is known as “wetware,” which accounts for the mental capability, intelligence, and additional mental skills that employees possess.

Those qualities are a benefit to the company. Those benefits qualify as intangible assets. Consider that 349,000 associates work for Starbucks. Imagine the wetware that number turns out given the type of employee you’ll find worldwide that brings a level of people capability to that brand.

Essentially, the people behind a brand or, more aptly, the folks who run businesses account for a great deal of wetware. So how does this wetware relate to leading with emotion? I believe that is a question that can be answered in one word, humanity. When one brings their humanity to work, there is an expression of caring and appreciation that is shared, magnified, and measurable.

Expressions of humanity alter human energy creating a nurturing environment where growth, advancement, the rise of positive neurons, and effervescence exist in its immediate atmosphere.

Examples of expressed humanity are enthusiasm, passion, being present, vulnerable, empathetic, confident in its generative state, listening, and feedback. I can stop there because I could fill pages with more examples, and I believe the point is clear.