How a Degree in Humanities Can Make You a Better Business Leader

When you think of business leadership, you may visualize people with high-end degrees in business, management, or finance. Those running tech businesses may have fancy STEM qualifications from top technology schools.

Surprisingly, things are far different from conventional thinking. Did you know that 60% of American CEOs hail from a humanities background? Nearly one-third of Fortune 500 leaders have a degree in humanities. Big names such as Slack, YouTube, and Whole Foods are headed by CEOs with degrees in liberal arts.

Considering these facts and statistics, you may want to consider this non-traditional route to business leadership as an aspiring entrepreneur. Before joining the bandwagon, it makes sense to understand how a degree in humanities can equip you with the right leadership skills.

Here are a few insights into choosing this academic field to achieve your business leadership goals.

Cultivate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Empathy and emotional intelligence are more than business buzzwords. Research establishes their link with entrepreneurial success. Empathy enables you to develop strong bonds with your team and understand your clients better. With emotional intelligence, you can deal with challenging situations and conflicts better.

Additionally, these skills enable you to encourage teamwork and foster a positive work environment in your organizations. Humanities disciplines, such as philosophy, sociology, and psychology, delve into the intricacies of human behavior, individual motivations, and societal dynamics. By choosing these subjects, you can cultivate the game-changing traits of empathy and emotional intelligence.

Improve Your Communication Skills

According to a recent survey, 72% of business leaders consider effective communication a key to productivity. Additionally, 63% of them link it with customer satisfaction, and 60% associate it with employee confidence. People with excellent communication skills can network well and build positive relationships, making them ideal for leadership roles.

Undoubtedly, the education necessary to develop these skills is different from the conventional business and management degrees. A degree in humanities can enhance your verbal and written communication skills as it trains you to convey complex ideas concisely and clearly.

Consider the example of a Master's in Secondary Education as a humanities degree. On the surface, it seems to be a right fit for professionals planning a career in teaching. But there is much more to it when you dig deep. The program includes subjects such as English language, creative writing, communications, social sciences, and history. Studying them can polish your communication skills for a business leadership role.

Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Business studies require students to memorize rules and laws relating to running an organization. Finance studies are about calculations and projects. Conversely, humanities students develop soft skills, including critical thinking. These skills are invaluable in the corporate world, where you may constantly face intricate challenges demanding careful analysis and creative problem-solving.

A background in humanities is a plus because it enables you to approach problems from various angles. As a part of your education, you learn to analyze complex issues, question assumptions, and dig deep into evidence. With these skills, you can make informed decisions and implement innovative solutions to address even the most challenging problems effortlessly.

Nurture Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Research establishes that adaptability is a winning advantage in an era of risk and instability. The pandemic proved how critical it is to pivot with the changing circumstances. Continuous learning is another factor that keeps business leaders ahead of the evolving trends and expectations in a volatile landscape.

As an academic field, the humanities foster adaptability and a lifelong love of learning. You develop the ability to adapt your perspectives quickly according to new information and evolving societal values. These skills equip you to lead your organization fearlessly through uncertain times and dynamic environments.

Embrace Cultural Understanding and Diversity

The impact of diversity, equity, and inclusivity in business leadership is bigger than you imagine. In a recent survey, 80% of participants said they want to work for an organization that values these issues. Business leaders embracing cultural understanding and diversity can drive their companies toward success with happy and productive teams.

Humanities education provides exposure to a broad range of cultural experiences, social norms, and historical contexts, creating an appreciation for diversity. With this background, you know what it takes to build inclusive workplaces and implement strategies that resonate with diverse clients, partners, and employees.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are an aspiring business leader or already in a leadership role, you can consider studying humanities to develop the right skills. These degrees open a whole world of possibilities for people looking to give their best in top leadership roles in organizations. The skills you imbibe can also make you a better person in the long run.