Studies confirm what common sense tells us: people who are feel cared for at work are more engaged and effective. They’re happier, more positive and productive, and less likely to leave. Caring for the people who report to you doesn’t just make you a better boss—it has a positive effect on your entire organization, including the bottom line.
Here are some proven ways to show you care:
Be accepting. When people tell you something, they’re often looking for understanding instead of answers. Try to listen without judging. Open your mind and make hearing their point of view your only goal, then let them know they were heard by repeating and summarizing what was said. Don’t offer advice or solutions unless you’re sure they want to hear them.
Be interested. Without being intrusive, make a point of talking with people on your team about things in their life that aren’t related to work. Get to know their hobbies and interests, the things they’re passionate about, how they like to spend their time. There’s a good chance that you’ll discover some points of connection.
Be a good listener. Too many bosses are marginal listeners. They may be action oriented, impatient or rushed, but they’re more apt to cut someone off mid-sentence or finish their thought for them than to truly listen. Whatever the reason, they come off as cold and uncaring. Always take the time to listen to your people.
Keep people informed. An important part of leadership is sharing the information people need to do their job well, to understand what’s happening in the organization and industry, and to maintain a broad perspective on the work their doing and its purpose. People who are well-informed feel valued.
Express concern. When someone comes to you with a problem, show sincere concern. Offer any assistance that’s appropriate, but make sure when you do you’re not taking over, stepping on their autonomy or questioning their ability to solve the problem themselves.
Show your appreciation. People work hard, and one of the best ways to show them you care is by simply expressing appreciation for the things they do. Whether it takes the form of a big celebration, a public shout-out, a personal note or even a quick “way to go” in the hallway, let people know you value their contribution to the team.
Provide opportunities. Finding new opportunities for your direct reports to grow and learn is a great way to show them that you have their back. Set up lunch-and-learn sessions, provide professional memberships and development opportunities, and pair people up for cross-training in a new area they’d like to learn more about.
Exhibit trust. Showing trust in your direct reports means you respect them and have faith in their judgment and work without micromanaging.
Lead from within: If you want to show the people on your team you care, make sure you are the best leader you can be and that those who report to you have everything they need to be successful.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: istockphoto
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
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